Frank Family Vineyards new releases are worth a look

I'm writing today's column, reflecting on how fortunate I am. In addition to enjoying a rich and varied life surrounded by delightful friends and family, writing this column for Cape Gazette has opened doors to a wide variety of the very talented, busy, charitable people in the Cape Region wine and food business. By the way, I do not intend to diminish in any way the other charitable businesses or individuals by that comment. During my long career, I have lived and worked in many diverse locations including Aspen, Coloma, Glendale, Omaha, Manhattan, Mount Kisco, Ocean City, Md., Baltimore and Rehoboth Beach. On a per capita basis, I think this is the most generous place of all. I refrained from writing today's piece due to my desire to write of the kickoff event for one of our new successful charitable events and the longtime Meals on Wheels chef's contest. Meals on Wheels was very well attended. I would guess several hundreds of our local glitterati turned out to nosh and support the event. Their highlight is to pick "Best" in several categories. Following the event, Barbara, my family and I were trying to pick some winners. We agreed that last place was excellent. It was only separated from the top performer by a negligible margin. Everything was delish, well prepared and presented. As it turned out, our choices did not win first place. However, we agreed the winners were deserving. Lewes/Rehoboth Meals on Wheels also sponsors the Harry Derrickson Golf tournament that is very enjoyable. It occurs in September, and you can find details at www.mealsonwheels-lr.com.

On Tuesday, Barbara and I attended the kick off for Southern Delaware Wine, Food and Music Festival. This event was hosted at the new SoDel Concepts Bluecoast restaurant just off Shuttle Road and Route 1. Longtime Lewes resident and wine expert Mike Zygmonski is the manager. He and his crackerjack staff did a remarkable job with the wine, food and service. We enjoyed the large, airy open space and general layout of this new addition to Rehoboth's dining scene. Good luck! 2017 will mark the third rendition of the Southern Delaware Fest charitable event. The first two resulted in just north of $43,000 being donated to charities in our area. Once again it is being held at Independence Clubhouse, Millsboro; the date is Saturday Oct. 7. For all the details, go to www.sodelfest.com. You may want to get in on the planning and implementation. This is a bit of work, but it is a fun group of dedicated and knowledgeable people. The Grand Poobah is Stacy LaMotta. I think she told me, "Many hands make light work." Based on my participation, she knows what she is talking about. Join the team.

The Frank Family Vineyards new release just arrived. Winemaker Todd Graff is still on his game. The 2014 Napa Zin spent 16 months in French oak, 33 percent new. Gold at Texsom and bronze at IWC, McD 89 points under $34. The Pinot Noir Carneros tok a couple of silvers at IWC and bronze at San Fran Chronicle, a very nice $30 PN. That said, I would move up to the Lewis Vineyard Reserve Carneros 2013 or 2014. Both deserve 94 points McD. Another stone winner is the Frank Family Lewis Vineyard Reserve Carneros Chardonnay 2014. Light golden-yellow colored, this reserve wine spent 11 months in French oak, saying age me a bit. Apple, lemon curd and spice aromas with some oak waft from your swirling glass. On the round palate, citrus, apple, tropical fruit and barrel spice flavors ride a balanced acid/tannin frame. Chardonnay for me, made in the classic style; I'm going 94 points. You all know how much I enjoy those seldom-found big, buttery chardonnays. The Cab is also very lovely but not a great value. I still fondly remember the 2007 and 2008 reserve Cabs. These also ran around $90 and were worth every penny for patient people. Running out of room, but thank you to all you folks who took time to say Hi! Makes my day to know you are reading my opinions.