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.

Adelaida Wines Trumpet Paso Robles Excellence

Adelaida Vineyard Wines from Paso Robles

The Paso Robles AVA is among California’s largest. It is also the fastest growing. Here are three recommended Paso bottles.

Adelaida Vineyards & Winery is located in the mountainous terrain of the Paso Robles AVA in California. Its vineyards span distinct areas of mountainous terrain characterized by chalk-rock limestone soils, afternoon blasts of cool coastal air, and a daily 40 to 50-degree temperature swing.

Only about 10% of Adelaida’s 1,900 acres are planted with vines, and more than 1000 acres of land remain undeveloped and unfenced, for ecological and wild animal habitat. The winery farms organically and is a leader in the ecology movement. All of the estate’s energy needs come from its own solar farm.

The microclimates, elevation, and unique soil result in superb wines, as we discovered as we recently tasted a trio of new Adelaida releases.

2022 Rosé, Anna’s Estate Vineyard

In the glass, this single-vineyard rosé is a brilliant salmon color with the aromas of fresh strawberries and melon. There is a pleasing minerality that mingles with strawberry rhubarb and citrus zest. It is crisp and decidedly easy to drink.

The blend is  34% Mourvèdre, 33% Grenache, 17% Counoise, and 16% Cinsaut. The wine was aged in equal amounts of neutral oak barrels and concrete eggs for four months. SRP is $35.

2020 Anna’s Red, Anna’s Estate Vineyard

One sip of Anna’s Red, and my reaction was, “Wow!” This is everything we look for in a red blend: deep rich flavors, supple mouthfeel, and an enduring finish. This is a blend of 32% Grenache, 24% Syrah, 17% Counoise, 14% Mourvèdre, 7% Cinsaut, 3% Petite Sirah, 3% Touriga Nacional. Grenache plays the leading role and contributes soft raspberry flavors, Syrah and Mourvèdre add weight and texture while Counoise and Cinsault lend a spicy character.

Anna's Red is a beautiful Paso Robles blend

It has a soft mouthfeel but is full-bodied. This is a blend that changes composition from year to year. Anna’s Red gets 20 months of aging in French oak (18% new). Priced at $50, we highly recommend it.

2020 Syrah, Anna’s Estate Vineyard

Paso Robles excels at Rhone varieties and this Syrah is a shining example. Almost black in the glass, it is rich with rounded blackberry, cocoa, and dark cherry notes. Baking spice and tobacco add to the long, layered finish.

This is a full-bodied wine to be enjoyed anytime. Beef and lamb entrees will pair perfectly. SRP is $50.

Adelaida produces bold and beautiful wines. Their full selection is available online including some sourced from the historic HMR vineyard.

Full disclosure: These wines were received as marketing samples.

WIYG: What In Your Glass? Here’s Our Latest

WIYG? That’s a question we are often asked. Here’s a look at what's in our glass.

Naked Wine Company “Oh! Orgasmic” 2014 Tempranillo

This is an excellent wine. The name is one reason it remained buried in the cellar. You can’t really open this bottle with a group of friends or family. Things could get really weird!

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The good news is the wine is delicious and still in its prime drinking window. Plenty of dark, thick, fruit notes.

It comes from a wine region that is trending with us – the Columbia Gorge. A scant 550 bottles were produced. Although the winery is now called Evoke, they still offer the Oh! Orgasmic line and the current vintage has a list price of $80.

Whether it delivers on its name is for you to decide!

Hillinger Secco NV

Hillinger has become my favorite Austrian winery. Mostly I enjoy their unique red blends that include Blaufränkisch, St. Laurent, and Zweigelt.

I was delighted to see this bottle of rosé nestled on a shelf of a local wine shop. The wine is made from Pinot Noir in the same method as Prosecco.

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Upon opening a tidal wave of froth filled the flutes, just perfect for an unseasonably warm afternoon on the patio. Light strawberry notes match the gorgeous pink color. A touch of kiwi is perfect for this young and fresh wine. A mere $19.

A portion of the sales benefits the fight against breast cancer.

Bennet Lane 2014 Maximus

The Napa Valley blend is labeled as a “red feasting” wine. We popped it open during an evening of appetizers and games with our friends.

Maximus delivered maximum enjoyment! This is a plump, lush wine with a cherry bowl aroma. On the palate, there are dark flavors of chocolate, fig, and dried cherries.

At a $55 price point, it has already leaped onto my list of top red blends to savor. The blend is 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Syrah, and 7% Merlot.

The winery is home to more than 65 90+ point wines. Maximus is insanely good. Get some for your next feast.

 

Doña Paula 2021 Velvet Blend Blue Edition

This blend from Mendoza, Argentina, features Malbec, Pinot Noir, and Bonarda. You won’t find many blends with Pinot Noir in them. Now I know why.

This wine didn’t have the expected richness of Malbec, but rather an earthy undertone with a slight cherry. The body is nice and silky. There were tannins and some spices, but overall, I didn’t get it. I have enjoyed other Doña Paula wines, but this one wasn’t a cohesive, enjoyable sip.

Argentina, I love you, but this bottle fell short.