Stephanie Merlot
2006 Stephanie Merlot
Wine Spectator, by James Laube, 90 points:
Supple yet focused, with black cherry, cedar and spice aromas and fleshy red currant and toasty vanilla flavors that take on loamy tannins and a delicate complexity. Drink now through 2014.
2005 Stephanie Merlot
Wine Spectator, by James Laube, 90 points:
Dense and rich, with currant and fresh earth aromas and muscular dried black cherry, cedar and toasty espresso notes that finish with a flourish of loamy tannins. Best from 2011 through 2015. 475 cases made.
Andrea Immer Robinson, 94 points:
Merlot is back on the map with this structured, sophisticated offering from Hestan Vineyards, named for proprietors Stanley and Helen Cheng's daughter Stephanie, whose concert harp is depicted in golden silkscreen on the label. Brooding, cedary bruised plum and balsamic, with leafy layers that speak more to classic Cab than mundane Merlot. Superb, and will cellar beautifully.
Press Democrat, by Dan Berger:
Wine of the Week (July 27, 2010). A wine that shows Gaffner's deft hand in extracting a load of herbal-cherry aromas. Yet the wine also has real depth and charm and superb balance, so it should be better in a few years. All at a fair price for so concentrated a wine ($35).