2018 The Debate - Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Denali Vineyard (750ml)

The Debate was founded in 2010 by winemaker Jean Hoefliger and business partner Rob McKay, built around the idea that wine, like conversation, benefits from multiple perspectives. Hoefliger trained in Bordeaux at Chateau Lynch-Bages and Chateau Carbonnieux before spending years as winemaker at Newton Vineyard and later Alpha Omega, and he brings that classical background to The Debate's lineup of single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc bottlings, each meant to express a distinct corner of Napa Valley.

The Denali Vineyard sits in St. Helena and is planted entirely to Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruit is fermented and aged separately from The Debate's other vineyard sources to preserve its individual character, then matured in French oak for extended time to build structure and depth without masking the site's natural expression.

This Cabernet pours a deep purple-black and delivers black currant, blackberry pie, and plum preserves layered with charcoal, licorice, warm spice, and a savory, earthy undertone. Medium to full-bodied, it has firm, grainy tannins and a long, spice-driven finish. Try it with grilled bison, duck confit, or a hard sheep's milk cheese.