2022 Sullivan Estate Coeur de Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Napa Valley
Quick Description
- Small Production, Limited Availability
- "Beautifully Structured and Fresh" ~ 94 Decanter
- Located Next to Alpha Omega & Quintessa
- "Plush and Generous" ~ 92 James Suckling
- Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles
2022 Sullivan Estate Coeur de Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon Rutherford Napa Valley
- Small Production, Limited Availability
- "Beautifully Structured and Fresh" ~ 94 Decanter
- Located Next to Alpha Omega & Quintessa
- "Plush and Generous" ~ 92 James Suckling
- Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles
About the Wine
The Estate was founded in 1972 by James ("Jim") O’Neil Sullivan, a visionary and pioneer of Rutherford, a premier Napa Valley appellation for Cabernet Sauvignon. Jim's passion for creating great wine predated the 1976 Judgement of Paris which famously recognized Napa Valley wines as among the best in the world. These are the wines that make Napa special and one of the most well-acclaimed regions in the world!
Today, Rutherford is home to some of Napa Valley’s most widely recognized names like BV, Cakebread, Caymus, and Staglin to name a few. The Sullivan Estate lies on the east side of Rutherford (right behind Alpha Omega) and spans over 26 acres, mostly dedicated to vines and lush gardens. The vineyard is planted to Bordeaux varietals like Cabernet, Petite Verdot, and Merlot.
Boutique wineries in Napa have developed a cult following, but you don't hear about it all that much unless you're "in the know." These wines rarely make it to the market because they're often sold exclusively to wine club members at the cellar door. Thankfully, we were able to get our hands on a small allocation of this wine to make available just for you. This is your opportunity to discover the enchantment of a boutique Napa winery!
Aging: 20 Months in 60% New French Oak
Tasting Notes
80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot.
An exceptional wine that delivers intoxicating aromas of blue and black fruit, floral notes, savory dark chocolate, and minerality. The well-proportioned, refined palate reveals firm but mature tannins, enhancing the wine's framework. The impressive balance lingers through the finish, solidifying this wine with finesse and charisma. A testament to precision in wine making and truly a snapshot of this vintage from the Estate.
Critical Reviews
The Coeur de Vigne begins its journey with a week-long cold soak to enhance colour and build tannin structure. Following a relatively slow fermentation and approximately three weeks on the skins, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation in barrel before being racked and settled for roughly 18 months in up to 60% new French oak. Grapes are primarily sourced from the 8.9ha estate in Rutherford, with additional fruit coming from a site in St. Helena. This wine is beautifully structured and fresh, showcasing excellent tension alongside red and blue fruit sweetness, complemented by warming spices—a hallmark of the hot vintage. Despite its vintage-driven richness, it remains wonderfully balanced, built on dusty mineral tension, spice, and elegant fruit character. Medium to full-bodied, the wine boasts fine tannins that linger through a lengthy finish. With over 3,000 cases produced, this is an ideal by-the-glass offering for steakhouses, delivering a fantastic snapshot of Rutherford-grown fruit. Crafted by winemaker Jeff Cole and managed by vineyard expert Mike Wolf, this is a versatile and impressive Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. ~ 94 Decanter
A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, the 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Coeur De Vigne offers terroir-driven notes of black cherries, graphite, leather, and earthy herbs. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it displays a rich, layered mouthfeel with ripe tannins and impressive depth. This serious effort will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and drink well for 10-12 years. ~ 93 Jeb Dunnuck
Aromas of blackcurrants, mocha, cedar, and graphite. The palate is full-bodied with finely integrated tannins and bright acidity, giving notes of Damson plums, dried herbs, blackberry bush and tobacco. Quite plush and generous, with a soft structure. Drink or hold.~92 James Suckling
Ripe plums and black currants mix with cocoa, tobacco, and pencil shavings carried by fine tannins, balanced length, and a velvety mouthfeel. ~92 Wine Enthusiast
***Free Shipping on 12 or More Bottles of This Wine***
Food Pairing
Beef
Venison
Lamb
Mouthfeel & Acidity
Wine characteristics including body, acidity levels, tannin structure, and sweetness profile.
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Sullivan Vineyards
Napa Valley, California
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