Of the two neighbors, Beckstoffer Vineyards has a far wider reputation than Sullivan. Yet true connoisseurs who zoom into great appellations know that the vines on each side share an identical Rutherford Bench terroir, resulting in a signature ‘Rutherford Dust’ profile, found only in the great wines originating here, with cult names such as Scarecrow, Sloan, Quintessa, Staglin, Heitz, and Caymus in close proximity. Whereby a $50 something Cabernet deal from this zip code is rare as it gets…

Near opaque crimson to the core with a brighter, wider rim of translucent ruby. Bold, ripe cherries and spicy cocoa powder engulfed in smoky graphite are all over the haunting ‘powdery’ nose. Meanwhile, the superb balance and intensity with dusty, ultrafine tannins embrace the palate. Authoritative, soft yet substantial on the finish with big fruit on a super long and classy finale. Ideal for anything with black truffles really, be it a rare cut of meat or vegetables.

Sullivan is dear to Agent Noir’s heart. Couple of decades ago, this gorgeous tiny Rutherford estate was his first stop ever in California, for an interview to join the family for his only winery post ever in his career. He got to know the late founding father Jim Sullivan intimately, and share many gems back to the ‘70s from the family cellar at their property, a monumental example of mid-century modern architecture. John Marsh Davis’ other winery masterpieces include Joseph Phelps, Rutherford Hill and Chateau Souverain. Sullivan wines too, while under the radar, since 1972 have remained monumental.

There’s a range of favorable opinions on this beauty from the publications below. We tend to like it even better to be honest. Well, at HALF PRICE and complimentary shipping on 3+ bottles for today only at The Wine Spies, missing out on this one is not something you could afford!

Here’s what the wine press has to say:

94 Points – James Suckling - “Very pretty and aromatic with flowers, currants and sandalwood. Sage, too. Full body, integrated fine tannins and a beautiful finish. Drink in 2020.”

92 Points – Jeb Dunnuck - “The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is more upfront and flamboyant, with sexy notes of sweet cassis, tobacco and violets. With medium to full body, not a hard edge to be found, and fruit galore, drink this pleasure-bent beauty over the coming decade or more. Drink 2019-2029.”

91 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate - “Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate (a blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot) offers aromas of blackberry tart and blueberry pie with touches of dried herbs, pencil shavings and chargrill. Medium-bodied, finely crafted and approachable in the mouth, it has good pure fruit expression, finishing earthy.”

91 Points – Wine Enthusiast - “This wine is tremendously structured and youthful in tannin and oak. The grapes come from the producer’s 26-acre estate, which was first planted by Andre Tchelistcheff, a friend of the original founder. The wine is made by Jeff Cole and shows smoky black fruit and elements of crushed rock. Age and enjoy best 2025–2030.”