Product Description
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S.R. Tonella Cellars, Semillon, 2022, Rutherford Valley, Napa, California, America
Producer Profile
Steve Tonella was born in Napa Valley and grew up living in Sonoma and Rutherford. He is the 4th Generation crafting wines from this wonderful Napa estate.
From an early age Steve worked in the vineyards with his father and grandfather. Enjoying the hot sun and helping in the vineyard by suckering vines (removing unwanted shoots) tying, training, and irrigating formed his early encounters in vineyards. He says he is amazed to have survived as the mode of transportation was the infamous 3-wheeler motorcycles that were accident prone and tipped easily.
Those early years shaped Steve’s endless commitment to vineyard management and passion for winemaking.
S. R. Tonella Cellars is the culmination of over 100 continuous years in the wine business in Rutherford, Napa Valley. Their purpose is simply to make history by crafting the best premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc & Bordeaux wines that represent the best of Rutherford and Napa Valley.
S. R. Tonella Cellar’s aspiration is that their wine is shared to create some small but memorable piece of history with everyone who crosses paths with the estate.
Today, Steve manages the 100 year old family vineyard and wine business with the help of his wife Ariadna.
Viticulture
Clones originating from Chateau d’Yquem.
Vineyard situated on the eastern benchland of Rutherford.
Unique as the only organic Rutherford appellated Semillon produced.
About 1% of Rutherford Appellation is planted Semillon.
Winemaking
Winemakers: Phillip Titus & Charles McKahn.
Steve’s 2022 Semillon is 89% Semillon with a splash of 11% Sauvignon Blanc to round out the wine. Over 12 months, half of the wine was aged sur lie in stainless steel and half of the wine was aged sur lie in French oak barrels. For the oak, Steve selected the lightest toast option, which gave the most delicate touch, and the Semillon remained pure in expression.
Tasting Note
This wine is sur lie aged in the lightest toast of new French oak to best express the purity of the Semillon variety. Rich golden colour integrates with visible body and texture in this wine. Aromas of citrus give way to brioche and notes of Asian pear. The palate rewards with bright notes of lemon, minerality and hints of vanilla evolving to a lingering finish.
Goes well with
Rich Seafood & Shellfish: The wine’s body stands up perfectly to pan-seared sea scallops, poached lobster, or shrimp scampi. Lightly seasoned white fish like sea bass or halibut also pair beautifully.
Poultry & Veal: Roast chicken, lemon-caper chicken, or veal piccata match the wine’s bright lemon and mineral notes.
Asian & Citrus Flavours: Dishes infused with lemongrass, ginger, or light Asian dressings highlight the wine’s citrus elements. Consider sushi or satay chicken salads.
Creamy & Nutty Dishes: The subtle toast and sur lie texture complement dishes with buttery sauces or creamy textures. Try a scallop and pea risotto, creamy fish bisque, or even truffle popcorn.
Cellaring
5 – 10 years with careful cellaring.
Don’t just take our word for it…
93/100 points by James Suckling, who highlighted it for its beautiful expression of rich, savoury, and nutty qualities with baked pear and toasted notes.
Gold Medal – Los Angeles International Wine Competition.
Decanter Recognition: Highlighted as a standout single-vineyard bottling in Decanter magazine’s Decanter coverage of the best Napa Valley wines.
Features
Varieties: Semillon 100%
Colour: White
ABV: 14%
Closure: Natural cork
Style: Still
Case Size: 6 x 75cl
Country: America
Region: Napa, California
Vintage: 2022
