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. 

94 points, Peter Franus 2021 Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon, Wine Spectator

This is dark and winey, with a core of cassis, plum reduction and blackberry compote flavors tightly wrapped in black licorice, sweet tobacco and case iron notes. Long and winey through the finish, with the iron note playing out amid the fruit and a late violet note chiming in.  --James Molesworth (April 2024) 

94 points, Peter Franus 2021 Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon, Vinous

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Brandlin Vineyard is redolent of iron, gravel, cured meats, pressed rose petal, plum, cedar and licorice. Medium in body and intensely savory, the 2021 is infused with Mt. Veeder character. Sadly, I only tasted one wine from Peter Franus this year, but what a wine it is!  --Antonio Galloni (December 2023) 

95 points, Peter Franus 2019 Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon, Vinous

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Brandlin Vineyard is another total knock-out from Peter Franus. Rich, deep and explosive, the 2019 captures plenty of Mount Veeder inkiness and density, while also avoiding some of the more angular contours often found in young Cabernets here. Graphite, crushed rocks, blackberry jam, creme de cassis, lavendar and menthol build into the deep, beautifully resonant finish. --Antonio Galloni (January 2022) 

94 points, Peter Franus 2019 Brandlin Cabernet Sauvignon, Wine Spectator

Dense yet defined, with sappy kirsch, blackberry and boysenberry reduction laced with licorice snap, violet and applewood notes. The long finish has heft but is very well-detailed, with an iron accent chiming in. One for the cellar.--J.M. (August 2022) 

93 points, Peter Franus 2019 Napa Valley Merlot, Vinous

The 2019 Merlot is a fabulous wine that punches well above its weight, and its modest price too. Inky, deep and savory, with tons of cool-climate finesse, the 2019 Merlot is fabulous. It's not too often that a wine so clearly distinguishes itself from its peers. This is a serious Merlot. Don't miss it!---Antonio Galloni (January 2022)  

93 points, Peter Franus 2019 Brandlin Vineyard Zinfandel, Vinous

The 2019 Zinfandel Brandlin Vineyard screams with Mt. Veeder character. Crushed and red berry fruit, hard candy, chalk, mint, white pepper, crushed rocks and dried herbs abound. This mid-weight, intensely mineral Zinfandel hits so many high notes. It is far from an obvious wine, though. Instead, readers will find a highly nuanced Zinfandel endowed with tons of mountain character. -- Antonio Galloni (October 2022)

92 points, Peter Franus 2019 Brandlin Vineyard Zinfandel, Wine Spectator

Potent and deeply structured, with dark plum and cherry flavors laced with roasted anise and pepper. Builds toward refined tannins. -- T.F.  (August 2022)

92 points, Peter Franus 2018 Brandlin Vineyard Zinfandel, Wine Spectator

Well-structured yet rich, with zesty fruit, opening to plump blackberry, smoky sage, clove and other spices --T.F.  (December 2021)

93 points, Peter Franus 2018 Napa Valley Chardonnay, Wine Enthusiast 

This is a bright, focused white wine, balanced and well-integrated in terms of ripeness and oak. Stone fruit. Gravenstein apple and toasted oak seasoned in vanilla and baking spice alll make an appearance, finding a cohesive harmony through the lengthy and fresh palate.  --V.B. (September 2021)

94 points, Peter Franus 2019 Red Hills Mourvèdre, Vinous

The 2019 Mourvedre Red Hills Lake County emerges from Fore Family Vineyard, a site planted at 3,000 feet in elevation atop Cobb Mountain. Not surprisingly, the 2019 is full of earh, spice and brambly notes, while the fruit lies more in the background. Bright acids and veins of tannin cut through it all, lending notable energy. This is one of the most distinctive American Mourvedres I have tasted in a long time.  --Antonio Galloni (October 2022) 

94 points (Editor's Choice), Peter Franus 2019 Red Hills Mourvèdre, Wine Enthusiast

Distinctive black pepper and grilled plum flavors give this full-bodied and moderately tannic wine a distinctive smoky, savory expression that Rhone wine lovers will love. Grilled meat,anise and singed rosemary notes blend with tangy blackberries for a veritable feast. This was grown at 3,000 feet elevation by the Fore Family. Editors' Choice. --J.G. (August 2022)

93 points, Peter Franus 2018 Red Hills Mourvèdre, Wine Enthusiast

This full-flavored and full-bodied wine wraps deep blackberry and roasted meat flavors in firm but fine-grained tannins for a texture that bodes well for aging. Made from the Fore Family vineyard at 3,000 feet elevation, it is mouthfilling and rich but still maintains great balance. Best from 2023–2030. Cellar Selection. —J.G. (March 2021)

93 points, Peter Franus 2018 Red Hills Zinfandel, Wine Enthusiast

Full bodied and snuggly wrapped in velvety tannins, this wine sports black-pepper aromas and vivid cranberry and blackberry flavors that will need an extra-rich dish for a good pairing, or some time in the cellar to soften the tannins. Best from 2025. Cellar Selection. --J.G. (March 2021)

-Peter and our importer Michiyo Hagio in Tokyo