Name: The Debate Red Blend The Ultimate Debate 2018 1.5Ltr
Brand: The Debate
SKU: 903478
Price: 358.53 USD
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 95.8 (4 reviews)

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Winery

The Debate

Shop all from The Debate

Country

United States

Of all the New World wine countries, perhaps the one which has demonstrated the most flair for producing high quality wines - using a combination of traditional and forward-thinking contemporary methods - has been the United States of America. For the past couple of centuries, the United States has set about transforming much of its suitable land into vast vineyards, capable of supporting a wide variety of world-class grape varietals which thrive on both the Atlantic and the Pacific coastlines. Of course, we immediately think of sun-drenched California in regards to American wines, with its enormous vineyards responsible for the New World's finest examples of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot based wines, but many other states have taken to viticulture in a big way, with impressive results. Oregon, Washington State and New York have all developed sophisticated and technologically advanced wine cultures of their own, and the output of U.S wineries is increasing each year as more and more people are converted to their produce.

Region

California

California as a wine producing region has grown in size and importance considerably over the past couple of centuries, and today is the proud producer of more than ninety percent of the United States' wines. Indeed, if California was a country, it would be the fourth largest producer of wine in the world, with a vast range of vineyards covering almost half a million acres. The secret to California's success as a wine region has a lot to do with the high quality of its soils, and the fact that it has an extensive Pacific coastline which perfectly tempers the blazing sunshine it experiences all year round. The winds coming off the ocean cool the vines, and the natural valleys and mountainsides which make up most of the state's wine regions make for ideal areas in which to cultivate a variety of high quality grapes.

Appellation

Napa Valley

When it comes to New World wines, and especially wines from the United States of America, Napa Valley is something of a standard bearer. Over its relatively short history, it has managed to transform itself from being a fairly insignificant region, to becoming one of the most important and highly regarding wine locations on earth. With an ideal climate for viticulture, blazing sunshine and a low level of rainfall, this valley is shielded on many sides by mountain ranges which help it maintain a consistent level of heat, light and moisture throughout the year. Today, Napa Valley is a home of innovation and quality, with dozens of grape varietals thriving in the fertile soils. However, the main varietals grown there have always been Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot and Zinfandel, and the wines they produce are constantly lauded by critics and competitions across the globe.

WA 98pts

Wine Advocate

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.

JD 98pts

Jeb Dunnuck

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.

JS 95pts

James Suckling

Aromas of sweet baking spices and sandalwood mingle with blackberries and stewed cherries. Blackcurrant leaf and bark, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with fine, powdery tannins. Beautiful polish with vanilla and rich fruit flavors, yet fresh at the finish. 62% cabernet franc and 38% cabernet sauvignon. Try from 2023.

WS 92pts

Wine Spectator

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.

Winery Notes

THE ULTIMATE DEBATE is a blend of 18% Artalde Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Denali Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Sacrashe Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Franc, 16% Sleeping Lady Vineyard Cabernet Franc and 16% Beckstoffer To Kalon Cabernet Franc THE ULTIMATE DEBATE 2018 is our blend which was produced in magnum format to share with your family and friends to continue THE DEBATE!

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The Debate Red Blend The Ultimate Debate 2018 1.5Ltr

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