Coeur de Vigne Cabernet Sauvignon (2020)
Description
AVA/Appellation: Rutherford
Vineyard
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.
Heritage
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.
Wine Details
Wine Maker: Jeff Cole
Jeff earned a degree in Wine and Viticulture from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. Prior to joining Sullivan, he worked with Schramsberg and J. Davies Vineyards, where from 2006 through 2013 he played an indispensable role both in J. Davies’ red wine program and Schramsberg’s méthode champenoise sparkling wine production.
The 2020 Coeur de Vigne represents a vibrant rendition of a classic Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon. Made up of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the nose offers rich aromas of blackberry and blueberry that meld with hints of graphite, lavender and thyme. This wine is full-bodied on the palate with mouthcoating tannins, while also maintaining bright acidity. Flavors of tart fruit and cocoa dusted coffee beans flirt with baking spices. The long finish highlights undertones of toasted new oak, suggesting the wine will develop beautifully over time.
Wine Blend Details:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Vineyard Notes
Elegant Savory note with undertones of minerality and distinctive soilborne 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.
PEPPER, BLACKBERRY, DARK CHOCOLATE, BAKING SPICE, SAVORY
Wine Critic Scores
96+ points Wine Enthusiast
Serving/Food Pairings
For optimum enjoyment of this wine, please decant and serve at about 60 °F.
Wine Making Details
| Varietal Composition: |
68% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc & 2% Petit Verdot |
| Vineyards: | Sullivan |
| Production: | 1835 cases |
| Harvest Date: | 2018 |
| Cooperage: | 87% new French oak |
| Barrel Aging: | 22 months |
| Bottled Date: | 2020 |
| Vinification: | Open top fermenters and concrete tanks |
| Maceration Time: | |
| Alcohol by Volume: | 14.8% |
| TA/PH: |