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The Debate Cabernet Franc Stagecoach Vineyard 2017 - First Bottle

Reviews

95 Jeb Dunnuck -
Lastly, the 2017 Cabernet Franc Stagecoach comes from a large site and, as with all the wines from The Debate, it’s all varietal and was fermented and aged in 80% new French oak. Revealing a deep purple/ruby hue as well as complex notes of red plums, chocolate, and spicy incense, it’s packed with fruit, hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, has sweet tannins, and a great finish. It’s a classic, beautifully balanced, elegant Cabernet Franc to enjoy over the coming 15+ years. There are 80 cases produced.
94 James Suckling -
Very perfumed with blackberry, blueberry and lavender aromas and flavors. Medium-to full-bodied, tight and focused. Plenty of blue fruit and polished, chewy tannins. Drink after 2021.
92+ Robert Parker's Wine Advocate -
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Cabernet Franc Stagecoach Vineyard opens with slightly broody notes of tar, charcuterie, damp soil and crushed rocks over an emerging core of blackberry compote, baked plums and raspberry pie plus a touch of bouquet garni. The full-bodied palate has a firm, somewhat rustic texture with seamless freshness and a long, earth-laced finish.

Technical Details

  • BlendCabernet Franc
  • WinemakerJean Hoefliger
  • CountryUS
  • RegionCailfornia North Coast
  • AppellationNapa Valley
  • VineyardStagecoach Vineyard
Shop All Wines The Debate Cabernet Franc Stagecoach Vineyard 2017

The Debate Cabernet Franc Stagecoach Vineyard 2017

Other Reds  |  US
JD95, JS94, WA92+

New $175.00 $84.95 | 750mL
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51% off retail!

Ok, the one thing not up for debate here is what a steal this is! Winemaking superstar Jean Hoefliger, with his second ever vintage of The Debate cabernet franc. The mythical Stagecoach vineyard to boot – all at the best price anywhere!

Seriously, we’re talking a full $35 less than the next closest competitor (and that’s before shipping)! By now, you likely know the story of The Debate. An instant culty hit, its mission every vintage is to seek out different single vineyards with different expressions of Napa Valley dirt, and then make them in the same way, all to point out the incredible diversity of terroir we enjoy here. It’s been an unquestioned hit, and while it started with cabernet sauvignon...the cabernet franc iteration here might just be the most compelling! Cabernet franc from the red loamy soils of Stagecoach (up high above the valley floor, connecting Pritchard Hill all the way to Atlas Peak) is one of the purest, most perfect examples of the grape here in the New World. The warm days and cool nights are ideal for the grape to ripen slowly, maintaining the acidity and high toned aromatics the grape is prized for, yet resolving those notes of green, vegetal qualities that make cabernet franc so difficult to do...well.

This is simply a treat! 95 POINTS, plus 94 and 92+...just add it to the ongoing legend that is Jean Hoefliger. Red plums, black cherry, lavender, mocha, and luscious blackberry compote take the lead – with the mineral edges of tar and crushed rock showcasing the unmatched terroir of the region. This is full, rich and remarkably smooth, but the hallmarks of the 2017 vintage (plus a bit of time in the bottle) really help to reign in Jean’s characteristically opulent style. It is a balance and the best of both worlds result that makes this a special wine tonight and for years still to come.

At over 50% off? Do not miss out on this beauty, folks!

About the Producer

Wines, like people, are a reflection of their origin and evolution. By selecting three different vineyards with three different expressions of Napa Valley Cabernet Franc, and making them in the same way, the Debate seeks to point out the diversity of terroir as well as the diversity of people. We live in an age where less and less time is spent at the dinner table discussing these different points of view. The Debate's mission is to bring people together to share a glass of wine to discuss and debate just as our team does. Proprietor Rob McKay partnered with the venerable Jean Hoefliger to craft his vision. Quickly these wines have garnered tremendous critical success and a cult following. Let the Debate begin!