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The Neighborhood of Giants In Napa, dirt is destiny. Sullivan Rutherford Estate sits on what insiders call "Billionaire’s Row." It is a 26-acre sanctuary of prime Bordeaux varietals tucked directly behind Alpha Omega and a stone’s throw from Quintessa. To put that in perspective: while its neighbors regularly command $170 to $250+ per bottle, Sullivan has spent 50 years flying just under the radar, focusing on its private members rather than massive marketing budgets.

Jim Sullivan wasn't following a trend; he was setting one. He began planting on the east side of Rutherford in 1972. This was the "Wild West" era of Napa—years before the 1976 Judgment of Paris put California on the world stage, and long before Caymus, BV, or Staglin became household icons. Jim was a pioneer who recognized the "Rutherford Dust" magic before the rest of the world caught on.

For decades, Sullivan was the "if you know, you know" estate—a boutique mainstay where the entire vintage was whisked away by club members at the cellar door. You didn’t find it on retail shelves because it never made it past the estate gates.

However, the secret is officially out. Under new ownership and a world-class "dream team" of viticulturists, Sullivan has undergone an electric transformation. With a 2024 Wine Spectator Top 100 nod and a string of 90+ scores from Decanter, Jeb Dunnuck, and James Suckling, Sullivan has shifted from a hidden gem to a high-octane powerhouse.

The 2022 Coeur de Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon "Coeur de Vigne" (Heart of the Vine) is the estate’s soul. This 2022 release is a masterclass in Rutherford precision.

Aging: 20 Months in 60% New French Oak

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.

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

The legacy of Jim Sullivan thrives at his eponymous estate. This is a unique place in Napa. When the state was cutting up land with county lines, the border of the old parcels Rancho Carne Humana and Rancho Caymus ran right through the property. Today, Sullivan still resides on the dividing line. Named for the heart of the vine, this wine has a nose of graphite and blueberry jam with flecks of peppercorns. The palate is deep and wide with elegance. The wine is framed by subtle tannins that give it an epic balance. ~94 Vinepair

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

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