Hestan Vineyards Stephanie Proprietary Red Wine 2008
(Napa Valley, California)

About the Winery:
Hestan Vineyards was born from the culinary passion of Stanley Cheng and his wife, Helen. This husband and wife team has combined innovation and passion to create award winning wines. Stanley pioneered hard-anodized cookware in the 1970s and has continued to improve the ways we cook through innovations and he keeps that innovation going through his wines.

The Hestan and Meyer labels are the product of renowned winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, with the philosophy that quality wine begins in the vineyard. The Stephanie wines are named for the owners’ daughter, a concert harpist. They are artfully crafted by winemaker Jeff Gaffner and offer a virtuoso expression of the site’s varietal composition. Jeff began his career at Chateau St. Jean working with legendary winemaker Richard Arrowood to produce the winery’s celebrated 1996 Cinq Cepages, named Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator Magazine. Over the years, Jeff has developed a reputation as a master-blender and specialist both in the vineyard and cellar. He has received critical acclaim for his site-expressive winemaking and signature elegant style.

About this Wine:
The Stephanie Proprietary Red is a Bordeaux-style blend; this vintage comes from 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Petit Verdot, 16% Merlot, 12% Malbec and 5% Cabernet Franc. 

Ratings & Reviews

Vinous Media:
"(46% cabernet sauvignon, 21% petit verdot, 16% merlot, 12% malbec and 5% cabernet franc; 50% new oak): Deep ruby. Pungent, oak-spiced aromas of dark berry preserves, vanilla and mocha, with a hint of cracked pepper adding vivacity. Plump and seamless in texture, with a slightly jammy quality to its blueberry and cassis flavors. Closes smoky and broad, with gentle tannins and a touch of warmth.” – Stephen Tanzer (May 2013)