2018 The Debate The Ultimate Debate
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Tasting notes
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.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
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.