Sullivan Rutherford Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Coeur de Vigne Rutherford Napa Valley 2019

Sullivan is a historic and old-school Rutherford institution that has crafted collectible and age-worthy cabernet sauvignons for decades. This spectacular wine was named a Wine Enthusiast Cellar Selection – in addition to a solid 94 point score – making the winery retail of $130 a steal when considering the pedigree of this long-standing Rutherford legend. At our price for over 60% less? This is a First Bottle deal to savor!

If you love simply classic, layered, rich, complex, bold, and enduring Rutherford cabernet sauvignon – consider this your lucky day! Sullivan has been making expressive and enduring cabernet sauvignons and merlots since the 70s, from excellent vines set in the beating heart of Rutherford (that’s where this name comes from..."Coeur de Vigne" = "heart of the vine"). This blend is comprised of the best of the best cabernet on the estate, with 8% petit verdot, and 2% each cabernet franc and merlot. The long-time family winery founded by Jim O’Neil Sullivan in 1972 only sold direct, mostly to family and friends, for much of its history – thus remaining off-the-radar, yet eagerly pursued by Napa Valley collectors, Rutherford Dust enthusiasts, and other fine wine aficionados.

One of those mega-fans, Juan Pablo Torres Padilla, purchased the Sullivan winery a few years back, committed to preserving and enhancing the Sullivan portfolio, with plenty of investment in a new winery, and overall facelift to the vineyards and hospitality center. Despite the modernization, the style of the wines is as classic as ever – structured, layered, deeply rich but never lacquered or flashy...this is quintessential Rutherford and primed to age and develop (and drink like absolute CHAMPS) for decades to come! The 2019 pulses with dusty cherries, black olive tapenade, blackberries, baked plums, porcini mushrooms, blackened earth, minerally graphite...and so much more. Serious structure and depth on the finish – this is a powerful and concentrated beast of Rutherford cabernet sauvignon...with extraordinary potential for aging. A quick decant makes this lovely even tonight, though, and at a price like this, grab a few and experiment over the next few years!

PAIRING IDEAS: I opted for a blue cheese and balsamic onion lamb burger here...and it was a HIT! The sharpness of the blue, the savory sweetness of the caramelized onions glazed with balsamic, the spiced and intense gamey-ness of the lamb...it was a match made in heaven with this classically old-school Napa cab.