A winery with some great history, Sullivan Rutherford Estate began back in 1972. Jim Sullivan’s interest in wine was formed 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.
I am so impressed with the 2021 2021 Sullivan Rutherford Estate ‘J.O. Sullivan Founders Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 97) is the finest wine that I have yet tasted from this estate. Dense and massive, this has some incredible cellaring potential. Learn more at https://sullivanwine.com and here are my reviews of the new 2021 wines by Sullivan Rutherford Estate.
2021 Sullivan Rutherford Estate ‘Coeur de Vigne’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Sullivan Rutherford Estate ‘Coeur de Vigne’ Cabernet Sauvignon combines 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 14% Merlot, and the remainder Petit Verdot. The wine is loaded with dark chocolate, loamy soils and graphite notes alongside shades of cassis. Delicious, nicely textured and full-bodied, enjoy over the next eight to ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 93
2021 Sullivan Rutherford Estate ‘J.O. Sullivan Founders Reserve’ Cabernet Franc- Deeply colored and perfumed in the glass, the 2021 Sullivan Rutherford Estate ‘J.O. Sullivan Founders Reserve’ Cabernet Franc opens with violets and cassis notes alongside shades of damp tilled soils and volcanic rock. The palate is plush and refined with a silky texture and great sense of weight. Generous and broad-shouldered, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2024-2044- 96
2021 Sullivan Rutherford Estate ‘J.O. Sullivan Founders Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Sullivan Rutherford Estate ‘J.O. Sullivan Founders Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a stunning effort that has 11% Petit Verdot blended in. Full-bodied and full-throttle, this has the weight, verve and length to satisfy any collector of Napa Cab. Middle eastern spices, Black Forest Cake, black tea and shades of boysenberry compote all meld together with salty soils on the palate. A total stunner, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next two decades. Drink 2024-2044- 97
2021 Sullivan Rutherford Estate ‘J.O. Sullivan Founders Reserve’ Merlot- The brilliant 2021 Sullivan Rutherford Estate ‘J.O. Sullivan’ Merlot is beautifully perfumed with red rose petals and black currents with Asian spices and shades of black licorice. Smooth and silky throughout the drinking experience, with serious weight and texture, this is a gorgeous rendition that is sure to cellar well over the next two decades. Drink 2024-2042- 95