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. 

93 points, Peter Franus 2022 Brandlin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Vinous

The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Brandlin Vineyard is loaded with plush red fruit, pomegranate, iron and white pepper. It offers a captivating mix of intensely ripe fruit and savory Mt. Veeder character. –Antonio Galloni (December 2024)

96 points, Peter Franus 2023 Brandlin Vineyard Zinfandel, Vinous

The 2023 Zinfandel Brandlin Vineyard sores from the glass with floral overtones and chiseled red/purple fruit, crushed rocks, white pepper, mint and orange peel follow, adding myriad shades of nuance. This is Veeder Zinfandel at its most refined. Elegance more than power. –Antonio Galloni (November 2025)

94 points, Peter Franus 2023 Brandlin Vineyard Zinfandel, James Suckling

An old-vine Zinfandel with all the blackberry and wild sage flavors you could want, along with the firm, supportive tannins that the Mount Veeder appellation almost always gives. It’s layered, concentrated and deep, with star anise, dried blackberry, graphite, stone and iron flavors. Well structured for further aging. Drinkable now and best from 2030.  –Jim Gordon (November 2025) 

94 points, Peter Franus 2023 Red Hills Lake County Mourvèdre, Vinous

The 2023 Mourvedre Red Hills Lake County is laced with vibrant blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, menthol, licorice and dried herbs. I can’t say it is terribly varietal but who cares when the wine is this finessed, classy, and utterly compelling! –Antonio Galloni (November 2025) 

95 points, Peter Franus 2023 Red Hills Mourvèdre, James Suckling

This Rhone grape variety does amazingly well in California when grown at 900 meters elevation and made by veteran winemaker Peter Franus. This is rather tight in texture, with fine-grained tannins that enable potent blackberry, graphite, grilled beef and singed herb flavors to really shine as the wine opens in the glass. Full-bodied, age-worthy and deep, it is something special. Drink now or hold.–Jim Gordon (November 2025) 

96 points, Peter Franus 2023 Brandlin Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Vinous

The 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Brandin Vineyard is magnificent. Crushed flowers, red-toned fruit, chalk, iron and white pepper soar from the glass. Medium in body, with translucent finesse, the 2023 captures the essence of this pedigreed site on Mount Veeder. Peter Franus coaxes unreal finesse from this fruit in a classically built weightless Cabernet that dazzles from the very first taste. This is just superb stuff. –Antonio Galloni (November 2025)  

-Peter and our importer Michiyo Hagio in Tokyo