Merryvale Vineyards, The Debate
2023 Cabernet Sauvignon
"Swiss Nirvana"
St. Helena AVA
Auction 29 | Lot No. 56
Vintage: 2023
Merryvale Vineyards, The Debate
Cabernet Sauvignon
St. Helena
10 cases produced
Highlights
- Joint lot by Swiss natives René Schlatter and Jean Hoefliger
- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- 50% sourced from Merryvale’s Profile Estate Vineyard and 50% from The Debate’s Denali Vineyard
- Swiss precision and Napa craftsmanship blend innovation and tradition into a truly unique wine
Description
René Schlatter and Jean Hoefliger have teamed up to create an exceptional 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, inspired by their shared Swiss heritage and Napa Valley’s winemaking excellence. This unique wine, Swiss Nirvana, is sourced from two iconic Vaca Mountain hillside vineyards—Merryvale’s Profile Estate Vineyard and The Debate’s Denali Vineyard.
By combining the DNA of these two brands, Swiss Nirvana brings together the best of both worlds. THE DEBATE contributes cutting-edge techniques and expressive character, while Merryvale adds its long-standing tradition and timeless elegance. This combination highlights their commitment to excellence, blending the precision of their Swiss roots with the craftsmanship of Napa Valley.
Jean Hoefliger
Winemaker, Merryvale Vineyards, The Debate
Jean Hoefliger's initial experience took him from Switzerland to Bordeaux and South Africa, making wine at the esteemed estates of Chateau Lynch-Bages, Chateau Carbonnieux and Meerlust. After completing a winemaking and viticulture degree at the Swiss federal school of Changins, Jean came to California where he spent the first five years in Napa Valley as Winemaker for Newton Vineyard. He then continued on to the famed Alpha Omega Winery along with Tolosa Winery in San Luis Obispo, California and Perinet Winery in Spain. In addition, to other projects across the globe Jean consults for THE DEBATE. Jean's winemaking style is characterized by long, natural barrel fermentation, he also often leaves red wines on skins for an extended amount of time to create wines that are delicious, intriguing and complex. Jean brings the true character of the vine and the terroir into the wine by making naturally fermented, unfined and unfiltered wines that show elegance, finesse and the capacity to age. Jean's esteem has grown as his wines continue to garner high scores and critical acclaim while his generosity of spirit, passion and down to earth attitude shine above it all.
Country born: Switzerland
Education: Winemaking and Viticulture degree at the Swiss Federal School of Changins
Years in the wine industry: 15-20 years
Winemaking Philosophy:
Two friends have brought their unique perspectives together to create thought provoking and delicious wines that extend beyond the sense of taste to the thrill of telling stories and the art of listening. Jean Hoefliger began a new chapter in his global wine career when he partnered as Consulting Winemaker with Rob McKay to create The Debate. Their experience and perspective paired together has crafted wines that celebrate the art of conversation, the difference of viewpoints, and the enjoyment of sharing them through DEBATE.
Jeff Crawford
Winemaker, Merryvale Vineyards, The Debate
Jeff Crawford has been with Merryvale Vineyards since 2007 and is now the Head Winemaker overseeing the production for all Merryvale and Starmont wines. Jeff pursued his passion and a career in winemaking after an introduction to the craft in 1997 while living in Hawaii, which led him to earn a degree from UC Davis. Jeff uses his decades of hands-on winemaking experience to relentlessly pursue the best each variety has to offer from each individual site from each unique vintage.
Country born: USA
Education: Bachelor of Arts, UC Davis
Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years
Winemaking Philosophy:
Be as involved as possible in both the vineyard and especially the winery to craft in each wine to achieve the maximum quality in the desired style.
Rene Schlatter
Winemaker, Merryvale Vineyards, The Debate
Born in Switzerland, René earned advanced degrees from schools in the U.S. and worked for several years in Europe before joining his father, Jack, at Merryvale. Like many who come here, it didn’t take long for René to become enamored with the Napa Valley wine industry. And when through serendipity he met and married Laurence, who happened to grow up in the same small town in Switzerland, the couple committed themselves to building a life in St. Helena. After 13 years doing nearly every job there was at the winery, René was named CEO of Merryvale Vineyards in 2008.
Country born: Switzerland
Years in the wine industry: 30+ years
Winery Distribution
Merryvale Vineyards, The Debate is distributed in the following markets. Please contact the winery directly for the most up-to-date distribution information and to explore commercial opportunities.
Domestic:
- California (RNDC)
- Colorado (RNDC)
- Florida (RNDC)
- Georgia (RNDC)
- New Jersey (Opici Family Distributing)
- New York (Opici Family Distributing)
- Pennsylvania (The Wine Merchant)
- Texas (RNDC)
International:
- Belgium (Top Courtage)
- Bulgaria (Cartel Ltd)
- Canada - Alberta (Marram Fine Wines)
- Canada - British Columbia (Appellation Wine Marketing)
- Canada - Ontario (Profile Wine Group)
- Canada - Quebec (Blanc Ou Rouge)
- China (Wiki Wine)
- Czech Republic (8Wines)
- Denmark (Otto Suenson & Co.)
- France (Vins Duvernay)
- Germany (Movenpick Wein Deutschland)
- Hong Kong (Telford)
- India (Mohan Brothers)
- Indonesia (Pasifik Mulia)
- Japan (Nakagawa Wine Co.)
- Luxembourg (Caves Wengler)
- Mexico (Baja Wines)
- Netherlands (Hosman Vins Wijnimporteurs)
- Norway (California House AS)
- Poland (Mielzynski Sp Z.O.O.)
- Puerto Rico (V.Suarez & Co., Inc.)
- South Korea (Chiko Vino / Cosmo)
- Sweden (Skrubbes Wines AB)
- Switzerland (Movenpick Wein Schweiz)
- Taiwan (Creation Wines)
- Thailand (Lovely Fine Wines)
- Turkey (ADCO Gida/ Kemer Gida)
- United Kingdom (Humble Grape)
- Vietnam (Les Celliers d'asie)