S. R. Tonella Cellars
2018 Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherford AVA
Auction 24 | Lot No. 146
Vintage: 2018
S. R. Tonella Cellars
Cabernet Sauvignon
Rutherford
5 cases produced
Highlights
- Rutherford Bench estate Cabernet Sauvignon from fourth-generation Rutherford vintner
- Estate vineyard features two different exposures and two different rare French clones
- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aging in our favorite oak barrel
- Complex, with a deep, rich balance of dark fruit, savory spices and lush tannins
Description
This unique Premiere Napa Valley wine is sourced from our S. R. Tonella Cellars estate vineyard located in the Rutherford nested appellation, which has been in proprietor Steve Tonella’s family since 1910. We carefully timed and harvested at night, hand-sorted the clusters, then destemmed and sorted the berries to ensure the true expression of this site-specific Cabernet Sauvignon. Steve Tonella, along with consulting winemaker Jean Hoefliger, selected this single barrel from the vintage’s most elegant French oak barrel. This complex wine showcases the exceptional character of the Rutherford nested appellation, with notes of black fruit and savory spices on the nose; bright layers of fruit show complex and layered integration with the oak, giving way to flavors of cassis and raspberry with notes of chocolate and spice. The beautiful fruit is enhanced by the lush mouthfeel, fine velvety tannins and wonderfully long finish.
Wine Facts
- Single vineyard wine
- Sustainably produced
Jean Hoefliger
Winemaker, S. R. Tonella Cellars
Jean Hoefliger is an artisan inherently driven to push the envelope, continually challenging the cognizance of, not only winemaking, but life in general. With an insatiable appetite for art, philosophy, and a good discussion, Jean thrives when his creativity and passion are left unbound by conventional thinking. Whether in the vineyard, at the winery, home, or around the table with friends - old and new - Jean brings these pursuits alive with playful banter and endearing jokes. In his winemaking, the essence of these experiences is brought to life through a particular craft of winemaking: fundamentally balanced by his experiences in Bordeaux, now left unbridled on the frontier of Napa Valley, making a delectable intersection between the past and future of wine. Jean Hoefliger was born and raised in Switzerland. His initial experience took him from Switzerland to California where he worked at Michel Schlumberger and Hartford Family in Sonoma followed by Bordeaux and South Africa, making wine at the esteemed estates of Chateau Carbonnieux, and Meerlust. Completing a winemaking and viticulture degree at the Swiss federal school of Changins, Jean made his way back to Bordeaux making wine at Chateau Lynch-Bages, and then moving back to California where he has been leading winemaker programs since 2001. Jean’s passion, knowledge, scientific training and innate ability put him in a unique position to take the best grapes around the world and transform them into wines and brands worthy of world class standing.
Country born: Switzerland
Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years
Steve Tonella
Winemaker, S. R. Tonella Cellars
Steve Tonella is a fourth-generation vintner from Rutherford Napa Valley. From a young age Steve learned about viticulture in Rutherford from his father and grandfather. Interest led him to start making wine in the mid 1990s and furthering his knowledge in the viticulture program at UC Davis but most of his knowledge is attributed to great mentors. Steve actively manages all aspects of S. R. Tonella Cellars, especially the estate Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard.
Country born: USA
Education: Viticulture UC Davis
Years in the wine industry: 30+ years
Winemaking Philosophy:
Let the vines do the talking. Wine is made in the vineyard. Our Winemaking ethos is to express the best of vineyard specific terroir in every vintage produced.
Wine Watch
1018 embassy row way
johns island SC 29455
United States
310-400-4466
Other Premiere Napa Valley Wines available from Wine Watch:
| Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volker Eisele Family Estate | 2022 | Merlot | Napa Valley | 28 (2024) | |
| Freemark Abbey | 2013 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | Cabernet Bosché | 27 (2023) |
| Hoopes Vineyard | 2018 | Red Wine | Napa Valley | RLF | 24 (2020) |
| S. R. Tonella Cellars | 2018 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 24 (2020) | |
| Steele Canyon Cellars | 2015 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 50 Harvests Plus | 22 (2018) |
| Essere Franco | 2015 | Petit Verdot | Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley | 21 (2017) |
Winery Distribution
S. R. Tonella Cellars is distributed in the following markets. Please contact the winery directly for the most up-to-date distribution information and to explore commercial opportunities.
Domestic:
- Oklahoma (Premium Brands Wine and Spirits)
International:
- Germany (HPJ Wine)
- Hong Kong (The Jockey Club)
- Japan (Nakagawa Wine Co., Ltd.)
- South Korea (J Wine Company)