2016 The Debate Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Franc

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.”

To- Kalon is one of the most famous vineyards in Napa Valley, often called the first “grand cru” California vineyard. It has always inspired those who live near it. Native Americans called the area around it tu-la-halusi – meaning “beautiful land.” And later residents called it To-Kalon, Greek for “the most beautiful.” Originally planted by Hamilton Crabb in 1968, it today is owned by Andy Beckstoffer, the Robert Mondavi Winery and Opus One. Beckstoffer owns the lion’s share, with an 89-acre vineyard planted to Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Beckstoffer sell To-Kalon grapes to such acclaimed producers as Schrader, Paul Hobbs, Tor Kenward, Realm, Alpha Omega and the Morlet Family. Beckstoffer Vineyards, a vineyard management business, owns and farms more than 3,600 acres of highly prestigious grape growing acreage 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.

This is a parent grape to Cabernet Sauvignon. It most likely originates from Basque country. It is an excellent blending grape, known for making the exquisite Cheval-Blanc. Franc is a little hardier on a vine than Sauvignon, but drinks smoothly at the table.