2018 The Debate - Cabernet Franc Napa Stagecoach Vineyard

The Debate was founded in 2010, built around a simple idea: two friends with different perspectives on wine, expressing that dialogue through single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Each bottling comes wrapped in newspaper printed with debates from that vintage, a nod to the label's mission of getting people talking around the dinner table. Winemaking for the project falls to Jean Hoefliger, whose résumé includes stints at Lynch-Bages, Newton Vineyard, and Alpha Omega.

For 2018, one of three single-vineyard Cabernet Francs comes from Stagecoach Vineyard, the largest and highest-elevation site the team uses. The extended growing season at altitude gave the grapes a long hang time, building structure without sacrificing lift. The wine was fully barrel fermented, spent close to three weeks on its skins, and aged nearly two years in French oak, most of it new, to round out its tannins.

The 2018 pours a deep garnet-purple and opens slowly, unfurling notes of red currant jelly, Morello cherry, and mulberry alongside cedar, pencil lead, and wild thyme. The palate is medium-bodied but intense, carrying firm, grainy tannins through a long, earthy finish. It's an excellent partner for filet mignon or aged manchego.