I’ll admit that it is quite a challenge to keep up with every Napa outpost. A winery that has some serious longevity, Sullivan began back in 1972. Jim Sullivan’s interest in wine was ignited in the 1950s with a simple grape arbor given to him and his new bride as a wedding gift and he began to make wine at home before moving his family to Rutherford and establishing Sullivan in 1972. The winery began new ownership in 2018 which involved investing in vineyard programs and plans are underway to build a state-of-the-art winery and hospitality facilities which was all led by entrepreneur Juan Pablo Torres-Padilla.
The top ‘Founder’s Reserve’ wines from this estate were really impressive, as I tasted vintages 2013-2017. This line was formerly known as ‘James O’ Neil’ and I was quite honestly blown away with the latest 2017 release (OB, 95) which is dense and massive, with great poise. These are wines that are cellaring beautifully and the 2014 Sullivan ‘James O’ Neil Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) is still very youthful and shows an inclusion of blue fruits, adding to the enjoyment. I highly recommend these wines for any Napa lover if you have never had the chance to check them out. Learn more at https://sullivanwine.com Here are my tasting notes from Sullivan 2013-2017 Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
2017 J.O. Sullivan ‘Founder’s Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from older vines on the property, this reveals graphite with anise and creme de cassis, with suggestions of Turkish coffee aromas that all meld in unison. The palate is deep, concentrated and nicely poised. Intense cassis, anise and black currant jelly flavors collide with loamy soils and chocolate covered espresso bean tones on the palate. This is seriously good stuff that will only get better with some time in the bottle. If enjoying in its youth, be sure to give this beauty a one to two hour decant. Drink 2022-2040- 95
2016 Sullivan ‘James O’ Neil’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from this warm vintage, the 2016 ‘James O’ Neil’ reveals exotic spices woven together with loamy soils, black currants and shades of chocolate cake on the nose. The palate is beautifully textured with great viscosity and tension. Rich dark fruits parade with mocha, tar and anise tones on the palate. With great length, this outstanding wine is just starting to hit its stride. Drink 2021-2038- 95
2015 Sullivan ‘James O’ Neil’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2015 ‘James O’ Neil’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a fantastic effort from this very warm vintage. Once on the nose this takes on mocha, tar and black currant tones that mingle with the damp soil accents. The palate is fresh and vibrant with great acidity. While this might be a touch leaner in terms of mid-palate development, there is plenty of range here, from ripe dark fruits to coffee grounds, scorched earth and menthol undertones. Gorgeous now, this will continue to provide drinking enjoyment for at least another decade. Drink 2021-2033- 93
2014 Sullivan ‘James O’ Neil’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2014 ‘James O’ Neil’ shows off tar and sandalwood tones with a great wall of dark fruits and chocolate that all come together aromatically. The palate is soft and refined with firm tannins. Rich cassis and blueberry compote mingle with leather, damp tilled soil and espresso bean flavors. The wine comes off as quite elegant with good length. The inclusion of blue fruits gives this plenty of exotic appeal, as the 2014 ‘James O’ Neil’ is really hitting its sweet spot. Drink 2021-2035- 95
2013 Sullivan ‘James O’ Neil’ Cabernet Sauvignon-The 2013 ‘James O’ Neil Cabernet Sauvignon by Sullivan reveals anise and dried herbs alongside a great core of dark fruits and coffee grounds on the nose. The palate is soft, round and nicely evolved, showing a light dusting of salinity. Rich cocoa powder and cassis flavors collide with minerals, Turkish coffee and shades of Black Forest cake on the palate. This is quite seamless and polished mid-palate. Great now, this will continue to evolve well for another decade. Drink 2021-2031- 94