Hestan Chardonnay 2021
(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:

• Winemaker: Thomas Rivers Brown
• 100% Chardonnay
• AVA San Francisco Bay
• Aging: 25% new French oak
• Alcohol: 14.4%
• Production: 400 cases

Vinification
The wine is unfiltered and unfined. It is sur-lee aged and goes through a light malolactic fermentation. The oak regimen is 25% new and 75% neutral.

Tasting Notes
The 2021 Hestan Chardonnay opens with fresh aromas of vanilla, pineapple, honeysuckle, and bright citrus, accented by notes of lemongrass. Rich yet vibrant on the palate, it reveals layers of lemon cream, guava, green apple, and ripe pear, balanced by a precise thread of acidity. The finish is long and harmonious, lingering with hints of Honeycrisp apple, soft tropical fruit, and elegant minerality.