Today we share the wines of Sullivan Rutherford Estate which 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. New owners took over 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 love the new wines from the 2023 vintage. Check out the stunning 2023 Sullivan Rutherford Estate ‘J.O. Sullivan Founders Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 97) is a world-class Napa Cab with some serious potential. Learn more at https://sullivanwine.com and here are my reviews of the new 2023 wines by Sullivan Rutherford Estate.
2023 Sullivan Rutherford Estates ‘Coeur de Vigne’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Sullivan Rutherford Estate ‘Coeur de Vigne’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a dense and polished bottling that is already drinking beautifully. Anise, creme de cassis and loamy soils all combine on the nose. The palate is well-structured and has terrific body and tension. Enjoy now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2026-2036- 93
2023 Sullivan Rutherford Estate ‘J.O. Sullivan Founders Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Sullivan Rutherford Estate ‘J.O. Sullivan Founders Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a total masterclass in this slightly cooler vintage. It stands inky in the glass, offering alluring black florals that combine with anise, cassis, pencil lead and shades of Turkish coffee that all take shape in the glass. The palate is seamless, heady and beautifully-structured with loads of salty and stony minerals. A joy to consume now, enjoy over the next two decades. Drink 2026-2046- 97
2023 Sullivan Rutherford Estate ‘J.O. Sullivan Founders Reserve’ Merlot- The stunning 2023 Sullivan Rutherford Estate ‘J.O. Sullivan’ Merlot is a world-class offering that is already drinking beautifully. Sandalwood tones combine with black rose petals, cigar ash and shades of creme de violette on the nose. The palate is heady and delicious as this seamlessly glides throughout the drinking experience. Showing serious power and poise with a graphite edge, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2044- 96