United States · California

The Debate

The Debate is a small Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon specialist founded by Paul Roberts MW and Remi Cohen, producing single-vineyard wines exclusively from Beckstoffer-owned historical vineyards in Napa Valley—particularly Dr. Crane in St. Helena and Missouri Hopper in Oakville, two of the most prestigious Beckstoffer contracts available. The winery focuses on historical Napa Cabernet sites that Beckstoffer acquired from traditional producers. At auction, Dr. Crane is the flagship (95 lots, $181, 2015 peak), followed by Missouri Hopper ($166, 12 lots, 2014 peak). The Sleeping Lady Cabernet Franc ($102, 8 lots) and Artalade Cabernet Sauvignon ($176) round out the portfolio. The 2015 vintage is the most-traded in the database overall. Prices reach $579. The estate's focus on Beckstoffer sites commands a specific collector premium—buyers who follow historical Napa vineyard provenance will pay significantly more than for generic appellation Cabernet.

The Debate sources exclusively from Beckstoffer historical vineyards including Dr. Crane in St. Helena and Missouri Hopper in Oakville—two of the most sought-after Beckstoffer contracts in Napa.

Beckstoffer Dr. Crane Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship at $181 average across 95 lots; the vineyard occupies some of St. Helena's most historic benchland, previously farmed by Charles Krug and Beringer.

The estate was co-founded by Paul Roberts MW, adding rare Master of Wine academic credential to the production team—a distinction shared by almost no Napa winery owners.

The 2015 vintage is the most-traded across all labels, a year when Napa produced structured, long-lived Cabernet after the return of more moderate temperatures following the very ripe 2013–2014 run.

Auction Lots

331

Avg Price / Bottle

$178

Top Vintage

2015

Price Range

$72 – $579

In the Glass

St. Helena and Oakville benchland Cabernet Sauvignon: pure dark blackcurrant, graphite, iron, cedar, and tobacco on a firm, structured frame with impeccable tannin quality from historical Napa vineyard sites. Dr. Crane shows the most classical St. Helena character—pure Cabernet concentration with mineral depth. Missouri Hopper is broader and slightly more opulent. Sleeping Lady Cabernet Franc adds violet, green herb, and red fruit.

Portfolio

Wine	Colour	Avg Price	Lots Sold	Top Vintage
Beckstoffer Dr Crane Cabernet Sauvignon	Red	$181	95	2015
Beckstoffer Missouri Hopper Cabernet Sauvignon	Red	$166	12	2014
Sleeping Lady Cabernet Franc	Red	$102	8	2017
Artalade Cabernet Sauvignon	Red	$176	8	2015
Ultimate Debate	Red	$170	6	2017

The Debate is based in the California wine region.

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