Sullivan Napa Valley Wine Tasting with Special Guest Winemaker Jeff Cole Thursday, March 20, 2025 - 7:30 PM
Critics have done the wine industry a lot of good overall.
Robert Mondavi
Critics like Robert Parker Jr. have also made some wines a lot more expensive, like the ones that get those last two points on the 100-point scale and more 99- and 100-point scores have been handed out to Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon than any other wines on the face of the earth.
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular red wine in the world today and when it comes to immediate gratification wines this varietal it is hard to beat. Most people know about Napa Valley's Cabernet Sauvignon and although it only accounts for around 3-5% of the total production in the state of California in terms of volume it is probably closer to 40-50% of all the total volume in terms of dollars.
The Cabernet Sauvignon grape is a relatively new invention in the world of grape varietals, it is the result of the combination of a white varietal Sauvignon Blanc and a red grape Cabernet Franc crossed by some mad grape scientist in southwest France in the 17th century. Because of its thick skin and relative ease of cultivation this varietal has spread around the world and makes high quality full bodied red wines in many parts of the wine world.
We have one of the top small producers in Napa Valley on hand Thursday, March 20th with the winemaker for Sullivan Estate Jeff Cole here to host us for an evening at the Wine Bar featuring all the wines he makes. The fee for this tasting which includes dinner is $250 + tax for reservations call 954-523-9463 or e-mail andy@winewatch.com.
Sullivan Napa Valley Wine Tasting
With Special Guest Winemaker Jeff Cole
Thursday, March 20, 2025
7:30 PM
2023 Sullivan Rutherford Merlot Rose Napa
2020 Sullivan Rutherford Estate Coeur de Vigne Rutherford Napa
2019 Sullivan J.O. Founders Reserve Merlot Rutherford Napa
2019 Sullivan J.O. Founders Reserve Cabernet Rutherford Napa
Menu
Selection of Cheese and Charcuterie
Strawberry and Burrata Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette and Candied Pecan Dust
Seared Five Spice Tuna with Soba Noodle Salad with Japanese Vinaigrette
Cabernet Braised Short Rib over Creamy Beemster Country Grits with Mole Sauce
Belgian Dark Chocolate Truffles
The fee for this tasting is $250 + tax, for reservations call 954-523-9463 or e-mail andy@winewatch.com. Please let us know when you make your reservations let us know if you have any food allergies of aversions and chefs Toni and Dani will be happy to accommodate you.
A bit about Sullivan Winery:
The heritage of the Estate dates back two centuries to 1821 when ownership of the Napa Valley transitioned from Spain to Mexico. Twenty years later the Napa Valley was divided into two parcels through a land grant given by Governor Juan Alvarado —Rancho Caymus to the South, and Rancho Carne Humana to the North. Sullivan’s property lies on this historic division.
A new era began with James O’Neil Sullivan’s passion for creating great wine. 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.
Having joined Sullivan Rutherford Estate in 2013, Winemaker Jeff Cole draws on a strong foundation of experience and an intimate understanding of the Estate in making world-class wines.
While there, he worked with many top vineyards within the Napa Valley, and regularly interacted with some of the valley’s most talented and respected members of the wine industry, including consulting winemaker Scott McLeod, who would sell fruit to Schramsberg.
Scott recognized Jeff’s talent and ability to skillfully manage the meticulous cellar practices demanded in sparkling wine and offered him the Assistant Winemaker position at Sullivan. Jeff worked alongside Scott for two years, gaining valuable insight on the estate, its history, and winemaking style. By the 2015 vintage, Jeff assumed 100% direction over the winery’s production.
At Sullivan, Jeff relishes the opportunity to make Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot from a world-class Rutherford estate. “It’s no secret that great wine begins with a great site, and I don’t know of anywhere else in the world that offers the potential presented at this estate,” he says.
All the Wines from Sullivan Winery on SALE!
2023 Sullivan Rutherford Merlot Rose Napa
Price: $30.00 Your Price: $26.40
A bone dry style of rose but with a good deal of lush plum, cherry and strawberry fruit, notes of fresh flowers and a crisp clean finish.
2020 Sullivan Rutherford Estate Coeur de Vigne Rutherford Napa
Price: $69.00 Your Price: $60.72
The 2020 growing cycle started with a very dry and warm winter. Spring rains initiated the growing season, while summer brought cool mornings and warm days that were ideal for phenolic development. Harvest began early in 2020, with our Merlot and even some Cabernet Sauvignon coming off the vine in August. The resulting berries were small and concentrated. These small yields met our rigorous standard of quality. Due in large part to our location in the heart of the Napa Valley, these early lots were unaffected and were harvested in pristine condition prior to the September Glass fire. The remaining fruit underwent extensive testing for smoke taint and any questionable lots were discarded. As a result, we chose to produce a small quantity of wine of outstanding quality, showing the consistent character of fruit that our estate is known for producing. As the 2020 harvest came to a close, we felt a renewed sense of gratitude for the health of our land and vines that permitted us to hone our craft.
True to style, the 2020 Coeur de Vigne has an elegant savory note with undertones of minerality and distinctive soil[1]borne complexity. This wine exhibits an Old-World style of winemaking that has fresh acidity and structure but exhibits New World nuances that are pure, rich and coating. This juxtaposition allows the Coeur de Vigne to be versatile and can be enjoyed on its own or with food. Flavors of dark chocolate and black cherry fade into chewy tannins, providing an elegant length on the palate. The Merlot-dominant blend can be enjoyed now or cellared for years to come.
2019 Sullivan J.O. Founders Reserve Merlot Rutherford Napa
Price: $320.00 Your Price: $281.60
(94 Points) A fluid, elegant texture due to juicy fruit flavors and fine-grained tannins make this wine remarkable. It offers slightly restrained blackberries, blueberries and subtle oak spice accents. Still it's a bit grippy to drink now and get full enjoyment. Best from 2026–2032. — Jim Gordon Wine Enthusiast
2019 Sullivan J.O. Founders Reserve Cabernet Rutherford Napa
Price: $320.00 Your Price: $281.60
(95 Points) Extreme concentration comes with nice polish in this superdark, chocolaty and densely layered wine. Massive but fine-grained tannins soak in black currants, blackberries and dark chocolate while hints of molé and grilled peppers add a spicy touch. Best from 2028–2038. — Jim Gordon Wine Enthusiast