Sullivan Rutherford Estate - J.O. Sullivan Founder's Reserve Merlot 2019

Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2019 Merlot James O'Neil Founder's Reserve includes a bit of purchased fruit, which will be phased out as the estate's own vineyards come back into full production. A blend of 90% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc, it's herbal and spicy on the nose, with fresh raspberry and cherry fruit, then plush and creamy on the full-bodied palate, followed by a lengthy, vibrant finish. It's a good sized step up in quality from the vintages on either side of it.

Little-known Sullivan Rutherford Estate was founded in 1972 by James O'Neil Sullivan, a graphic artist with a passion for wine. He purchased the 26-acre Rutherford estate from the Galleron family and planted much of the property to Merlot, following the advice of André Tchelistcheff. Set well off of Highway 29 on Galleron Road, the property has largely avoided the fame and fortune of wineries along the main thoroughfare, making it a beautiful setting to taste wine. Sullivan worked with architect John Marsh Davis (a protegé of Frank Lloyd Wright) to design the residence, which is worth a walk-through for its idiosyncratic detailing if you can arrange it. The property was purchased in 2018 by tech entrepreneur Juan Pablo Torres-Padilla, and the property is undergoing something of a renovation, with changes underway in the vineyards and a completely new winery under construction; in the meantime, winemaking is operating out of the Hyde facility in Carneros. Winemaker Jeff Cole, who joined Sullivan in 2013, seemed energized by all of the recent projects when I visited with him and general manager Josh Dowell late in 2022.

Jeb Dunnuck

The 2019 Merlot J.O. Sullivan Founder's Reserve checks in as 89% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc. This ripe, medium to full-bodied, wonderfully balanced Merlot has a deep ruby/purple color, fabulous purity in its cassis and darker cherry fruits, some background chocolaty and spicy nuances, and a great finish. I'd drink bottles over the coming 10-12 years, but it will evolve for longer.

James Suckling

Aromas of ripe black cherries and spiced plums with dark chocolate, black licorice and bark. Structured and concentrated with a medium to full body and vivid acidity. It has a plush core of dark fruit, carried on the bed of polished and silky tannins, leading to a velvety, lingering finish. Drink or hold.

Wine & Spirits Magazine

Wine Enthusiast

Extreme concentration comes with nice polish in this superdark, chocolaty and densely layered wine. Massive but fine-grained tannins soak in black currants, blackberries and dark chocolate while hints of molé and grilled peppers add a spicy touch. Best from 2028–2038.