GOLD MEDAL - 2011 American Fine Wines Competition
Top 100 Cabs of Napa Valley!
Murphy Vineyards was founded in 1995 by Peter Murphy, a man with 40 years of experience in wineries and vineyards. Peter uses his involvement in vineyard management to source the best grapes Napa has to offer, and puts his degree from UC-Davis in fermentation science to work in the cellar to create fresh, balanced wines that pair beautifully with food. The wines tend to be a little less full bodied and concentrated than many of the other high end Cabernets coming out of Napa these days, with a focus on elegance and grace over power.
The 2006 Murphy Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is ruby red in color, with a garnet rim. The nose shows classic Cabernet aromas of black cherry, mint and blackberry, which are fresh as opposed to jammy and over-ripe. The palate opens with cherry and berry flavors, with earthy undertones and a sweet vanilla finish. Fresh and vibrant with plenty of acidity, this is Old World style Cabernet meant to be consumed with food, and able to pair with a range of dishes. Because it is made in this more elegant style, the wine should age nicely for 5 or more years, and at just $25 for Napa Cabernet of this quality, you'll want to stocking up on this one.
Production Notes
The vines benefited from a delayed bud break and a warm summer while the fruit was setting and maturing. This created a moderate crop with small, intensely flavored berries. The warmer growing area of Aetna Springs allowed for full maturity at harvest on September 28, 2006. After harvest and fermentation, the wine was racked to barrels consisting of new, 1 year old, and neutral French Oak barrels. As the wine matured, it developed a very complex and flavorful Cabernet character and needed no blending. After about 18 months in the barrel it was bottled on May 5, 2008 as 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The total production was 458 cases.
95 Points
Rich and full-bodied, packed with dark fruit flavors of blackberry, ripe plum, and dark cherry. Notes of cocoa, cedar, and warm spice add complexity, while firm tannins and a touch of volcanic minerality reflect the bold characteristics of Calistoga’s terroir. Full-bodied in texture, and remarkably velvety. The tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
