2019 Sullivan Coeur De Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford

2019 Sullivan Coeur De Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford

with No Comment $60-$70Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaRutherfordUSA

SULLIVAN

COEUR DE VIGNE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
RUTHERFORD 2019

2019 Sullivan Coeur De Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford
Jim Sullivan’s obsession with wine began in the 1950s, making wine at home from a small plot of vines gifted to him and his new bride as a wedding present. Jim moved his family to a dusty Rutherford farm in 1972, establishing Sullivan Estate, which has been quietly producing and selling wine to friends, family, and wine lovers for nearly five decades.
 
Winemaker Jeff Cole earned a degree in Wine and Viticulture from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo before working with Schramsberg and J. Davies Vineyards, joining Sullivan in 2013. The 2019 Coeur de Vigne is a Left Bank Bordeaux-inspired blend with a clear and powerful voice, articulated through Jeff’s precise winemaking with an emphasis on displaying the dynamic terroir and rich potential offered by the Rutherford estate.
 
SULLIVAN
COEUR DE VIGNE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
RUTHERFORD 2019
Retails at: $120
 
 
 
“Blended with 8% Petit Verdot and 2% each of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this hearty red is brimming in thick tannin, considerable oak and expansively youthful layers of vanilla, cassis and plum. Impressive in its grasp of both variety and appellation, it is worth cellaring; enjoy best from 2029–2034.”
94 Points “Cellar Selection”
2014 Sullivan Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Estate

2014 Sullivan Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Estate

with No Comment $50-$60Cabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaRutherfordUSA

SULLIVAN

2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
RUTHERFORD ESTATE 

2014 Sullivan Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Estate
Sullivan’s Estate is centered in the Rutherford AVA, an area long celebrated for producing wines with distinctive character, superior elegance, and signature dusty tannins. When Jim Sullivan founded the property, he consulted with legendary winemaker André Tchelistcheff who helped design the original vineyards. Their 2014 Estate Cabernet is, as Jeb Dunnuck writes, “classy stuff” with “terrific balance,” and at half price, it’s an absolute steal… 
 
The vineyard is located on Galleron Road, just North of BV and behind Franciscan Estate. It was planted over an ancient riverbed with soil types ranging from clay loam to sandy gravel, and both have excellent drainage, which assists in producing intensely flavored berries. 
 
Winemaker Jeff Cole is well-rounded in his skillset, previously making wines at Laetitia Winery and Windward before joining Schramsberg. He constantly scrutinizes each detail surrounding his winemaking for insights that can take the wine to the next level. If you’re looking for a classic Rutherford Cabernet, that’s awesome now and will cellar for another decade, this is it. 
 
SULLIVAN
2014 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
RUTHERFORD ESTATE
Retails at: $120
 
 
“This is a tannic and structured cabernet sauvignon that is tight and focused with lots of dark berry and currant character as well as chocolate and spice undertones. Full and chewy yet so polished and pretty. Give it two or three years to resolve the tannins. Better in 2020.”
93 Points
 
“The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate checks in as 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Petit Verdot that spent 20 months in 100% new French oak. This deep purple colored 2014 is classy stuff that offers notes of blackcurrants, black raspberries, toasted spice, and graphite. With medium to full-bodied richness, a lush, supple style, and sweet tannin, it has terrific balance and a great finish. I suspect it’s capable of lasting for 10-15 years.”
92 Points
 
“…the 2014 boasts dark cherry with hints of tobacco and cola. This wine has mineral and earthy undertones that compliment the savory dark chocolate notes which add depth and complexity.”