Here’s one for those who love big, rich, sultry, dusty Rutherford Cab. By now you should know the mad rush that’s about to ensue because this has all the right stuff - estate grown (right next door to Beckstoffer!!) from the spectacular 2014 vintage, with solid reviews, for well over HALF OFF?! Off-the-meter!

Sullivan Vineyards has been around for decades, with a rich history of making some outstanding wines, and they’re surrounded by some elite company - Caymus, Staglin, Quintessa and Scarecrow to name a few. With a recent change of ownership and the need to raise cash, we were able to land these insider’s deals, and bought all the cases we could for you at unbelievable prices… was it enough? Probably not!

At $120 this bottle runs right alongside its pedigree cohorts, but at $49 NOTHING competes. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for sure. Anyways, the wine… dense, with dark purple and black fruit, blackberry, cassis, that telltale Rutherford powdered cocoa, clove, vanilla, with superfine tannins. Suckling called it “polished and pretty” while Dunnuck noted the “terrific balance” adding it’s “classy stuff”. We say that with the extra couple of years since it’s downright sexy today, and terrifyingly easy to drink, especially with a buttery tenderloin cooked to perfection.

While under the radar, Sullivan wines have remained monumental since 1972. The equally monumental mid-century modern winery is a landmark by famed architect John Marsh Davis’ whose other masterpieces include Joseph Phelps, Rutherford Hill and Chateau Souverain. With our first sell-out Sullivan feature, we pointed out how dear this property is to our Curator Agent Noir, 20 years ago this gorgeous tiny Rutherford estate was his first stop to set off his California wine career. It was easy to fall in love with Napa Valley, hanging out with the late Jim Sullivan, sipping gems back to the ‘70s from the family cellar.

Given how top-notch Napa Cab has been flying lately, we doubt this will last long. Everything you want in a Rutherford classic. Grab some before it’s gone!

93 Points - James Suckling

“This is a tannic and structured Cabernet Sauvignon that is tight and focused with lots of dark berry and currant character as well as chocolate and spice undertones. Full and chewy yet so polished and pretty. Give it two or three years to resolve the tannins. Better in 2020.”

92 Points – Jeb Dunnuck

“The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate checks in as 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Petit Verdot that spent 20 months in 100% new French oak. This deep purple colored 2014 is classy stuff that offers notes of blackcurrants, black raspberries, toasted spice, and graphite. With medium to full-bodied richness, a lush, supple style, and sweet tannin, it has terrific balance and a great finish. I suspect it’s capable of lasting for 10-15 years. Drink 2018-2033.”

92 Points – Connoisseurs’ Guide