2018 The Debate Denali 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.”

St. Helena AVA is at the northern end of Napa Valley just north of Rutherford and south of Calistoga. It is a relatively warm climate thanks to the Mayacamas Mountains on its western edge, which protect it from Pacific Ocean fog. Out of the 9,000 acres in the appellation, some 1,500 are under vine. The principal grapes grown in St. Helena are the Bordeaux grapes of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. St. Helena is considered prime wine producing territory, and it was one of the first important wine producing regions in northern California. The legendary Charles Krug founded his winery just north of the town of St. Helena in 1873, and today the appellation is home to many prestigious producers, including Abreu, Grace Family and Spottswoode.

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.