Rutherford, Napa Valley
$110 (Wine Club Reorder Price: $90)
Jim Sullivan’s passion for Cabernet Sauvignon was ignited in the 1950s with a simple grape arbor given to him and his new bride as a wedding gift. A graphic artist by trade, known for his work with 60s icons such as The Monkees and Dick Clark Productions, Jim began to make wine at home.
As his winemaking skills grew, so did his passion for the vine. For the next two decades, he explored California in order to find the finest area to grow Cabernet Sauvignon. In 1972, four years before the Judgment of Paris recognized Napa Valley for world class wines, Jim decided that Rutherford held all the potential he sought.
Under new family ownership as of 2018 led by entrepreneur Juan Pablo (JP) Torres-Padilla, the Sullivan team is deeply investing in the vineyards and plans are underway to build state-of- the-art winery and hospitality facilities. JP has gradually gathered one of the top teams of wine professionals in the country to lead the Estate, recognizing the great potential for crafting exquisite wines and one of the top visitor experiences. Exciting things are on the way for the Sullivan Estate!
The 2017 Coeur de Vigne expresses the characteristics that make Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon so iconic. Rich aromas of black cherry and boysenberry meld with hints of dark chocolate, forest floor, clove, thyme and vanilla. The wine is full-bodied on the palate, with luxurious and velvety mouth-coating tannins, while also maintaining bright acidity. Flavors of wild cherry and cocoa flirt with notes of pepper and baking spices. The wine’s vibrant nature invigorates the entire palate, from entry through the long finish. An amazing cheese pairing to try with this Cabernet Blend is Aged Gouda.
“Blended with 22% Merlot and 3% Malbec, this is an impressively made wine from the Rutherford estate. Densely concentrated, it offers youthfully grippy layers of black olive, dark cherry and plum, with underlying earthiness. The finish takes on additional notes of clove, black pepper and tobacco.” – 92 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Taylor Morgan – August 2021
Bacchus & Venus Wines 