Description
Wine Spectator’s #75 Top 100 Wines of 2024
Founded in 1972, during the apex of the boutique winery movement, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon vines were first planted on the 26-acre estate in 1978, per the encouragement of legendary winemaker, Andre Tchelistcheff.
Jim Sullivan’s interest in wine was ignited 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.
Predating the 1976 Judgement of Paris which famously recognized Napa Valley wines as among the best in the world, Jim was a true visionary and pioneer establishing Sullivan in 1972.
For nearly five decades, the Estate was an oasis for wine lovers. The Sullivans quietly sold wine directly to their friends and family and the winery remained relatively undiscovered for many years.
Today the Estate continues to build on its legacy of growing and crafting world class Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Under new family ownership in 2018, the team is deeply investing in its vineyard programs and plans are underway to build a state-of-the-art winery and hospitality facilities. Led by entrepreneur Juan Pablo Torres-Padilla, who has gradually gathered one of the top teams of wine professionals in the country to lead the Estate, recognizes great potential for crafting exquisite wines and one of the top visitor experiences.
94 points #75 Top 100 Wines 2024 Wine Spectator! Ripe and structured but fresh in feel, with a lovely, pure beam of cassis driving through, supported by mouthwatering apple wood, savory and iron details along the way. This red offers cut and drive, with the fruit lingering the longest thanks to a light hand with the toast. Very Rutherford. Drink now through 2038. 2,600 cases made.
94 points Wine Enthusiast! Cassis and blueberries, dark chocolate and spiced cocoa are carried on a framework of durable tannins into a persistent finish. This wine will do well with decanting to help open up its flavors, or can be held in cellar for several more years. Drink 2028–2038.