2016 Beckstoffer The Debate Cabernet Franc Stagecoach

Made of 100% Cabernet Franc, the deep purple-black colored 2016 Cabernet Franc Stagecoach Vineyard delivers vibrant chocolate-covered cherries, raspberry pie, Morello cherries and wild blueberry scents with hints of Provence herbs, tilled earth and bay leaves plus a touch of pencil lead. Full-bodied, opulently fruited and packed with red and black fruit preserves, it has a firm, fine-grained texture and seamless freshness, finishing very long and layered. 80 cases produced.

Winemaker Jean Hoefliger has a magic touch with Cabernet Franc, and his 2016 Cabernet Franc Stagecoach is another head-turner. Perfumed notes of blackberries, cassis, and forest floor all emerge from this more medium to full-bodied, silky, seamless red that has fine tannins and a great, layered mouthfeel that expands on the palate. It’s made in a more classic, straight, focused style that’s going to evolve nicely over the coming 15 years or more.

The 2016 Cabernet Franc Stagecoach Vineyard is another glorious wine from The Debate. Mountain tannins give the Stagecoach Franc much of its distinctive personality. Red cherry, plum, chocolate, menthol and licorice all build as this super-expressive, distinctive wine show off its personality, of which it has quite a bit.