Fall Into These Superb Napa Reds From Hestan Vineyards

This trio of Napa reds offers power and grace just right for the fall season.

By Dave Nershi, CSW

Hestan Vineyards is a solar-powered estate nestled in Napa Valley’s Gordon Valley region. Established in 1996 by Helen and Stanley Cheng, the property was once a working cattle ranch. Today, it’s home to organically farmed vineyards and gardens, reflecting the Chengs’ enduring appreciation for Napa’s landscape and their commitment to sustainability. Stanley, known for pioneering hard-anodized cookware and founding Hestan Culinary, a brand known for chef-driven kitchen appliances, brings a thoughtful precision to the estate’s winemaking philosophy.

We had the opportunity to taste three magnificent reds from Hestan’s fall release: the 2021 Meyer Cabernet Sauvignon, 2021 Stephanie Malbec, and 2021 Stephanie Prorietary Red Wine.

The Stephanie Proprietary Red Wine is a bold yet polished blend of 39% Petit Verdot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Malbec, and smaller amounts of Merlot and Cab Franc. The wine is aged 50/50 in new and neutral French oak. There are silky black cherry notes laced with minerality and floral accents. Limited to 486 cases, this small batch wine retails for $75.

We paired the superb 2021 Napa Valley Malbec from Stephanie with a pan-fried pork chop and a garlic wine reduction sauce. Home-made French fries and fire-roasted corn rounded out the dish. This sensational Malbec boasts a rich, luxurious mouthfeel with flavors of black fruit, blueberries, cassis, and cocoa. The finish is long and delicious.

I brined the chops for an hour in sea salt, herbs de Provence, and a pinch of brown sugar. The seasoning was smoked paprika, thyme, and rosemary from the garden, plus salt and pepper.

The robust seasoning of the juicy chops paired wonderfully with the Stephanie Malbec. We highly recommend this exceptional wine. SRP is only $55.

The Stephanie wines are named for Stanley and Helen’s only daughter. The bottle features a golden silkscreened harp in a nod to Stephanie’s musical talents. 

This line is crafted by acclaimed winemaker Jeff Gaffner. He is known for his work with Bordeaux varieties, producing elegant and refined wines. Jeff started at Chateau St. Jean, working with legendary winemaker Richard Arrowood to produce the winery’s 1996 Cinq Cepages, saluted as Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator Magazine. We only wish these wines were available in magnum format.

Thomas Brown is the winemaker behind the renowned Meyer Cabernet Sauvignon. He is one of Napa Valley’s most exciting winemakers with an impressive array of accolades. Among his accomplishments are unprecedented double 100-point scores from the Wine Advocate’s Robert Parker. Thomas joined the Hestan team in 2009. 

The 2021 Meyer Cabernet Sauvignon appears destined for greatness as well. The wine is crafted for intensity as well as long-term aging. Made with 100% Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, this is a big wine that is enjoyable now, but can age gracefully for 10 years and beyond. 

On the nose, there is the aroma of cassis and crushed herbs. Robust dark plum, black cherry, and cedar flavors anchor the palate. The tannins are structured with minerality and vibrant acidity, providing complexity. The finish is long and gripping.

There were 1,267 cases produced, and the wine is aged in 75% new French oak. This latest vintage of Meyer Cabernet is priced at $90.

These selections from Hestan’s fall release reflect precision, depth, and a clear sense of place. From the expressive Meyer Cabernet to the graceful Stephanie reds, each bottle speaks to the estate’s commitment to stewardship of the land and the talent behind its label. These are wines to enjoy now, and to revisit as they evolve.