The Ultimate Debate 2018 1.5 Liter

Critical Acclaim: 98 pts Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate; 98 pts Jeb Dunnuck.

About the Wine: THE ULTIMATE DEBATE stemmed from the idea if both sides of an equation were to come together, the results would be tremendous. Imagine a utopian view of this country understanding and accepting differences; how beautiful would our world be? THE ULTIMATE DEBATE is our “Wine World” version of that, blending our Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc together.  

“The 2018 The Ultimate is only available in magnums. It is a barrel-select blend encompassing all The Debate’s single vineyards of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. This year, 62% of the blend is Cabernet Franc, coming from Sleeping Lady, Beckstoffer To Kalon and Stagecoach vineyards. The 38% Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Artalade, Sacrache and Denali vineyards. Very deep purple-black, it needs a fair bit of swirling and coaxing to begin to unlock fragrant scents of ripe black and red currants, black raspberries, chocolate-covered cherries and mulberries with suggestions of pencil lead, cedar chest, black olives and lavender with a waft of fallen leaves. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with crunchy red and black berry flavors, supported by firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and earthy. It will need a good 5-7 years in bottle to really begin to strut its stuff and should cellar for a further 30+ years.”- Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.

“The 2018 The Ultimate Debate is released only in magnums and is a mix of the single vineyards. The final blend is 62% Cabernet Franc from the Sleeping Lady, To Kalon, and Stagecoach vineyards, and 38% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Artalade, Sacrashe, and Denali vineyards. 2018 was a great vintage for Cabernet Franc, and this is a stunner, revealing a dense purple hue as well as a gorgeous nose of crème de cassis, mulberries, blueberries, earthy spring flowers, chocolate, bouquet garni, and sandalwood. Full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, it has an elegant, seamless texture, the purity and finesse that's the hallmark of the vintage, ripe yet certainly present tannins, and a great finish. It's another thrilling wine from this label that can be drunk today or cellared for 25-30 years.”- Jeb Dunnuck.

“Polished, streamlined version, with alluring cassis and raspberry flavors gliding through and infused with lightly singed vanilla and alder notes. Tobacco hint curls around the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2023 through 2034. 504 cases made.”- Wine Spectator.

Varietal: 62% Cabernet Franc and 38% Cabernet Sauvignon. (Vineyard Breakdown: 16% Sleeping Lady Vineyard Cabernet Franc, 16% Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Franc and 30% Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Franc as well as 18% Artalade Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Sacrashe Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Denali Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon.)

*This is a 1.5 Liter Magnum Bottle