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.
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
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.
97 Points
Lush and fleshy, with cassis, boysenberry, and blackberry notes guided by hints of alder and mesquite. Stays open but defined through the finish, with a buried hint of sweet tobacco. A rich, layered beast, this has a nose rife with currants, blackberries, vanilla, and light toast with flavors of mocha, plum, and Bing cherry that mingle harmoniously on the tongue.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
98 Points
Deep purple hue and an alluring aromatic profile of fresh blue fruits and delicate violets. On the palate, it delivers a seamless and layered texture, framed by supple, polished tannins and a refined sense of balance. Elegantly structured, it offers remarkable purity and finesse, finishing with graceful length and poise.
