S. R. Tonella Cellars
2021 Sauvignon Blanc
"Special Reserve"
Rutherford AVA
Auction 26 | Lot No. 80
Vintage: 2021
S. R. Tonella Cellars
Sauvignon Blanc
Rutherford
5 cases produced
Highlights
- Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon sourced 100% from the Rutherford nested appellation
- 40% barrel fermented and 60% stainless steel; aging sur lie
- Handcrafted by winemaker Jean Hoefliger
- Fourth-generation vintner Steve Tonella collaborated with Jean to create your wine
Description
This unique Premiere Napa Valley wine is sourced from sustainable, multi-generational growers located in Rutherford. 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 Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.
Proprietor Steve Tonella and consulting winemaker Jean Hoefliger selected the peak expression of Clone 1 Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.
This complex wine showcases the exceptional character of the Rutherford nested appellation, with notes of citrus, Asian pear and vanilla on the nose.
The bright layers of fruit show complex and layered integration with the lightest toast of oak creating texture on the palate. The beautiful fruit is enhanced by the layered mouthfeel, subtle fine tannins and wonderfully long finish.
Wine Facts
- Organically produced (also commonly called "organically grown")
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.
Vintage California
1 Milestone Lane Weston-on-the-Green
Bicester Int OX25 3AE
UK
+44(0) 7813 29 7599
Other Premiere Napa Valley Wines available from Vintage California :
| Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S. R. Tonella Cellars | 2021 | Sauvignon Blanc | Rutherford | Special Reserve | 26 (2022) |
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)