2020 Hestan Sauvignon Blanc

The Hestan Vineyard has 110 planted acres of low yielding Bordeaux varieties and is located on the Napa Valley’s remote Eastern Slopes. The property was a former cattle ranch and was purchased by Stanley and Helen Cheng in 1996. The soils are well drained and the microclimate in this area is warmer than the valley floor, with an average variation of 30 degrees each growing season. Both the vineyard and the gardens are sustainably farmed and 100% solar powered.

Growing Season

2020 will be remembered for factors beyond the normal measurements. Here in the valley, it was a warm, dry winter and we didn't start to see rain and cold weather until the end of March. While the mild spring season gave us a great early start, the wineries of Napa Valley worked under extensive safety protocols due to the COVID pandemic. Summer brought very cool mornings and very warm days. This build-up to harvest was interrupted by two wildfires as we turned to the fall; The LNU Complex Fire started on August 17th and the Glass Fire started on September 27. The white wine harvest started in early August.

Vinification

The fruit is picked at night and pressed in whole clusters while still cold. Fermented in stainless steel, it ages for six months in 70% stainless and 30% neutral French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes

Pale straw yellow in color with aromas of melon, lemongrass, brioche, green apple and high perfume notes of lavender and lanolin.
The wine is varietally true with citrus lemon, green apple and lemon zest on the palate. It has a full mouthfeel and finishes with a crisp acidity. Age 3-5 years.