Reviews

Over the decades Peter Franus Wine Company has received numberous reviews in a number of industry publications.  These are some of the more recent we have been fortunate enough to have had featured. 

90 points, Peter Franus 2017 Sauvignon Blanc, Wine Enthusiast

This is an easygoing, lovable and classically made white from one vineyard site in Carneros planted to the Musqué clone of the variety. It shares effusive layers of peach and vanilla within a viscous mouthfeel of elegant power and grace.  - V.B. (June 2019)

92 points, Peter Franus 2016 Albariño, Wine Enthusiast

This lively white is sourced from one site, the Stewart Vineyard in Carneros. It offers incredibly inviting aromatics and high-volume freshness, a nice combination that's balanced and ready for seafood. Peach and apple crispness further define it.  -V.B. (May 2018)

92 points, Peter Franus 2014 Merlot, Wine Enthusiast

From a single site in Carneros, the Stewart Vineyard, this wine is exuberant in red fruit, with a sly hint of tobacco and tomato leaf. Big ripe tannins wrap around a meaty side show of garrigue and black pepper, finishing in elegant ripeness.  -V.B. (Mar. 2018)

92 points, Peter Franus 2014 Red Hills Red, Wine Enthusiast

This impressive wine, grown at 3,000 feet, offers deep dark-fruit flavors and hints of dark chocolate carried on a lush rich texture. It's full bodied, very ripe and concentrated, featuring blackberry and boysenberry flavors that flood the palate and linger on the finish.-Jim Gordon (Aug. 2018)

91 points, Peter Franus 2016 Brandlin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Wine Advocate

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Brandlin Vineyard (100% Cabernet) sings of baked cherries, mulberries, cassis and dark chocolate with hints of Provence herbs and tilled earth. Medium-bodied, it has a chewy texture and lively, crunchy black fruit, finishing with good length.  -Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Jan 31, 2019)

92 points (Highly Recommended), Peter Franus 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Decanter

Dense aromas of forest fruits and raisins lead on to a lifted and delicate palate. A sleek attack with drive and energy. Limpid and poised with dark chocolate and a long, menthol finish. - (April 2018)  

92 points, Peter Franus 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, JamesSuckling.com

Aromas of blackberries and tar with hints of walnuts follow through to a medium to full body, soft and velvety tannins and a savory finish. Delicious. -James Suckling (Jan. 2017)

90 points, Peter Franus 2014 Brandlin Vineyard Zinfandel, Wine Enthusiast

Baked earth, mocha and vanilla characterize this field blend of 90% zinfandel with a rough mix of 10% Mourvèdre, Charbono, and Carignan. Robust on the pallet with a textured mouthfeel, it's full-bodied with bright, underlying acidiy and black peppery finish. -V.B. (May 2018)

90 points, Peter Franus 2014 Napa Valley Red, Wine Enthusiast

Blending sizable portions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot with Cabernet Franc, this approachable mix opens in a succulence of cherry and berry that remain juicy through the fleshy midpalate and finish. The oak is well-integrated and the tannins softened -V.B. (June 2018)

92 points, Peter Franus 2014 Napa Valley Zinfandel, Wine Enthusiast

Stewy, meaty and juicy, this wine is fleshy and expansive on the palate, with deft touches of smoke, black cherry and berry pie. Seasoned throughout is a classical layering of black pepper and cinnamon that keeps it fesh and spicy. - V.B. (May 2018.) 

92 points (Editor's Choice), Peter Franus 2014 Red Hills Zinfandel, Wine Enthusiast

It's great to find a big dry wine like this that has good structure without giving up the expansive berry flavors that Zin does so well. The aromas are potent with ultraripe blackberry and black cherry, then the mouthfeel has good gripping tannins for a lip-smacking finish. —J.G. (May 2018)

90 points, Peter Franus 2014 Red Hills Mourvèdre, Wine Enthusiast

This is a densely flavored and firmly textured wine that will benefit from further aging. It has a deep color, restrained aromas of black pepper, beef and berries and a mouthcoating viiscosity due in part to an abundance of fine-grained tannins. -J.G. (May 2018)

-Peter and our importer Michiyo Hagio in Tokyo