2012 The Debate Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

The Debate is a relatively recent winemaking venture from Rob McKay, a businessman, investor and influential political donor with a longtime passion for California wine. McKay brought on noted winemaker Jean Hoefliger as consulting winemaker. The estate sources grapes from some of Napa Valley’s premier vineyards, including To Kalon, Dr. Crane and Beckstoffer Missouri-Hopper. The Debate makes three Cabernet Sauvignons which have impressed reviewers. Robert M. Parker Jr. has given the wines rating up to 100 pts, and notes that “Bigger than life Jean Hoefliger is the winemaking guru behind these wines. He has partnered with Rob McKay, and they obviously have access to some incredibly great vineyards in Napa in order to produce such world-class wines. Three of the five wines I tasted came from 100% Beckstoffer-owned vineyards, and that generally means amazing materials.”

Dr. Crane Vineyard was originally planted in 1858 by Napa Valley pioneer Dr. George Belden Crane. It was acquired by Beckstoffer Vineyards in 1997. Located in the city of St. Helena, the 25-acre vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Beckstoffer Vineyards owns and farms more than 3,600 acres of highly prestigious grape growing vineyards in Napa Valley, Mendocino County and the Red Hills of Lake County. A senior executive with Heublein in the 1960s, Andy Beckstoffer is credited with steering Napa Valley vintners towards improving farming and the quality of the grapes used for wine. Grapes from any Beckstoffer vineyards are considered among the finest available in California.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.