2021 JO Sullivan ‘Founder’s Reserve’ Merlot Napa Valley

WSI98 JD97 The 2021 Merlot J.O. Sullivan Founder’s Reserve is also legit great, with an inky purple hue as well as complex aromatics of cassis, leather, graphite, black cherries, and some background spicy oak. A blend of 89% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc, aged 22 months in 82% new barrels, it’s full-bodied, concentrated, has ripe, fine-grained tannins, integrated acidity, and a gorgeous finish. It’s one of the finest Merlots in the vintage and will evolve for two decades.

TWI94 The 2021 J.O. Sullivan Founder’s Reserve Merlot, with 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc in the blend and aged in 82% new French oak, is deep garnet-purple in color. The nose is a little broody to start, with earthy notes of tar and damp soil giving way to a core of plum preserves, baked blackberries, and boysenberry preserves with hints of black truffles, cracked black pepper, and baker’s chocolate. The full-bodied palate is so, so velvety, with loads of earthy and black fruit layers and just enough freshness, finishing on a lingering ferrous note. 510 cases were made.