The 2015 Sullivan Family Vineyards Petit Verdot, Rutherford, Napa Valley, is going to make you smile. Of course, your teeth will be dark purple, but you’re still going to smile.
The Featured Wine Pairing of Episode 76: Pairs With Sullivan Petit Verdot and Wine Trends for 2021
Sullivan Family + Wine Spies = WOW
Last year, the Wine Spies brought you Sullivan Family Vineyards‘ Merlot and Cabernet. Now, they complete the trifecta with Sullivan Family Napa Valley Petit Verdot straight from the Rutherford Appellation. Beaujolais fans turn away, because this Petit Verdot flexes some serious “which way to da beach” biceps and brawn.
Sullivan Family: A History In Napa
Sullivan Family 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. And I’m not the only one hyped on the Sullivan Family Petit Verdot: a recent Forbes article praises them by saying, “By any measure, the wines of this under-rated and relatively unknown Napa winery are world-class.”
It’s a beast of a wine, for sure. Described as “a mouthful” on Sullivan’s website, it has a weight and richness that’s unrivaled. But it’s not some overly-extracted, head-thumping Ogre either. Nearly black in the glass, it delivers black plum, black raspberries, fresh laid tar, and savory herbal notes. Easily capable of resting for another ten years, it begs for a healthy decant before consuming.
Bordeaux Meets Napa At Sullivan Family
You should buy this wine even if you’ve never tried a single-varietal Petit Verdot before. As one of the 5 classic Bordeaux varietals, Petit Verdot is typically blended into a wine for its deep purple color. But when grown in Napa Valley—especially in an appellation like Rutherford, where their legendary “dust” gives any varietal character—Petit Verdot takes on a special flavor all its own. It’s a treat for the palate, and a wine sure to keep the conversation buzzing at your next dinner party.
