Rich Frank heard his calling in Napa after over a decade of successful achievements at Paramount Studios and Disney. He followed Michael Eisner from Paramount to become President of Walt Disney Studios and Chairman of Walt Disney Television and Telecommunications. Among his achievements were overseeing movies such as “The Lion King”, “Pretty Woman”, “Dead Poet’s Society” and others. After traveling through Napa on occasional visits, Rich decided to purchase a home in nearby Rutherford. Two years later in 1992, he purchased the original Larkmead Winery with his partner Koerner Rombauer.

Barrel fermented for nine months, this Chardonnay is full bodied with a gorgeous nose of honeysuckle backed up with just enough pleasing acidity. Within are well-balanced flavors of salted caramel, butterscotch and vanilla bean. It ends with a delicate lemon oil finish. While this wine is beautiful on its own, it will be even better with food. Rich Frank established his reputation on the success of this wine. This Napa Valley Winery came alive once Todd Graff took the helm as winemaker!

BY Joe Dimmagio