The Debate – Cabernet Franc 2018, Stagecoach Vineyard – Napa Valley

The nose is beautifully built, racy and offers a beautiful ripe fruit, a certain richness as well as intensity, a small concentration and deepness. It reveals notes of bright blackberry, blueberry, small notes of crushed strawberry associated with touches of cornflower, cardamom, toasted hazelnut as well as discreet hints of caramelization, bourbon vanilla pod and graphite. The palate is fruity, well-balanced, elegant and offers freshness, gourmandize, a beautiful delicacy as well as an acidulous frame and suavity. On the palate this wine expresses notes of juicy/acidulous blueberry, pulpy/juicy raspberry, small notes of small red fruits associated with touches of acidulous cassis, cornflower, cardamom, tonka bean as well as small hints of sense of the place (local biotope) and a very discreet hint of grilled hazelnut (in the background). Good length. Tannins are precise and elegant. A hint of sapidity, a fine chew and a discreet hint of sugared mild tobacco in the finish/persistence.