Cabernet Sauvignon Tonella Estate Vineyard Rutherford 2022
Trade Tools
America / Rutherford
The Tonella Vineyard, a cornerstone of Rutherford’s status as the best Cabernet terroir in Napa Valley, traces its roots to 1922 when J.J. Ponti purchased the plot that is now split between Tonella and the now-legendary Beckstoffer Georges III vineyard. Ponti passed the property to his ward Louis Tonella, and then to Lou’s son, Raymond. Ray retired in 2006 and entrusted the vineyard to Sequoia Grove and its viticulturalist (and disciple of André Tchelistcheff) Steve Allen, brother of the winery’s founder Jim. Since then, the winery has carefully stewarded the vineyard, planting Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cab Franc to micro blocks that express the deep and ‘dusty’ complexity of its prime Rutherford terroir.
Harvest Note
The 2022 growing season began with heavy rains in late 2021, though the beginning of 2022 was dry. A cool spring led to smaller crop loads due to the dry conditions. The early part of the growing season was near ideal. A classic Labor Day heat wave pushed concentration and propelled and condensed harvest with one of the earliest starts and finishes for Sequoia Grove. 2022 Cabernets are rich, with lush fruit, great complexity, and balance.
Tasting Note
This vibrant Cabernet offers aromas of blueberry, graphite, and black cherry with hints of vanilla and bay leaf. The palate is generous, featuring red and blue fruit balanced by cocoa, spice, and mineral notes. A long, expressive finish leaves a lasting sense of energy and place.
Technical Data
GRAPES: 98% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot
APPELLATION: Rutherford, Napa Valley
PH: 3.76
ACIDITY: 7.0 g/L
ABV: 14.9%
AGING: Aged 22 Months in French Oak, 100% New
Unique Selling Points
- Single Vineyard Cabernet from the crown jewel of Sequoia Grove’s estate properties: Rutherford’s Tonella Vineyard
- Unique eastern Rutherford terroir beneath the Vaca Mountains with volcanic soils
- Neighboring Beckstoffer Georges III and leading Oakville estates Groth and Plumpjack
“Achieving balance is the guiding principle in my winemaking.”
Jesse Fox, Winemaker
