2018 The Debate - Cabernet Franc Napa Sleeping Lady Vineyard (750ml)
2018 The Debate — Cabernet Franc Napa, Sleeping Lady Vineyard (750ml)
The Debate's 2018 Cabernet Franc from Sleeping Lady Vineyard captures how terroir shapes the same grape across sites, a concept at the heart of The Debate’s six single vineyard, single varietal wines — three Cabernet Sauvignon and three Cabernet Franc. Founded in 2010 by winemaker Jean Hoefliger and Rob MacKay Jr., the label emphasizes minimal intervention, with every wine fermented and aged in barrel to let vineyard character emerge.
This bottling is entirely Cabernet Franc, barrel-fermented and left on its skins for nearly a month before spending eighteen months in French oak, a large majority of it new, to build texture and depth.
Sleeping Lady Vineyard sits on the valley floor west of Highway 29, just south of Yountville, on land long farmed by the Bettinelli family. Its rocky, alluvial soils are built from rounded river cobble, pushing vine roots deep and concentrating flavor in the fruit.
Tasting notes
The wine opens with wild blueberry, red currant and kirsch, layered with dried lavender, pencil shavings and cardamom. The full-bodied palate delivers boysenberry and mulberry framed by firm, fine-grained tannins and a bright, refreshing finish.
Wine details
- Grape: Cabernet Franc
- Vintage: 2018
- Appellation: Napa Valley
- Vineyard: Sleeping Lady
- Fermentation: Barrel-fermented with extended skin contact
- Aging: 18 months in French oak (majority new)
Food pairings
Pairs beautifully with duck breast, lamb chops, or a wedge of aged Manchego, allowing the wine’s berry fruit, spice, and elegant tannins to complement savory, rich flavors.