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
Seductive aromas of black fruits – blackberries, black currant, black cherry – accented by exotic wafts of cardamom and nutmeg. Still greater depth is achieved on the palate, with red berries, blackberries, and hints of blood orange and dried cranberries, bolstered by bright acidity. Vibrant tannins provide additional structure and
94 Points
Aromas of honey, ginger, and key lime radiate from this elegant Chardonnay. A burst of fresh citrus, lime, and star fruit enlivens the front palate upon first sip and is quickly followed by ginger and white pepper, all underscored by subtle notes of white peach and cardamom. Vibrant acidity and steely minerality give the wine excellent structure as it moves into a long, flavorful finish.
93 Points
Robust aromatics of boysenberry, blackberry, cranberry, and black cherry are the centerpiece of this wine, harmonizing with the underlying aromas of violets, sandalwood, and forest floor. The first sip opens on the palate with a rush of softness and density, and lush, savory tannins. Red berries, blackberry, and cassis envelop the tongue on the mid-palate, gently punctuated with subtle acidity followed by a long, flavorful finish.
90 Points
Aromas of cranberry, sour cherry, plum, and orange rind, complemented by hints of forest floor, pine needles, and rosemary. The wine opens with flavor of juicy red fruit supported by spicy undertones of red pepper and black tea. The freshness of its red fruit are enhanced a vibrant core of light acidity and full rich tannins all of which linger gracefully in the long finish.
94 Points
Aromas of fresh lime, verbena, and gooseberry are followed by a juicy, aromatic front palate with bright acidity that wakes up your taste buds. The heightened aromatics develop even greater complexity on the mid-palate, featuring fresh lemon and star fruit, with just a hint of green apple and mango. Gorgeous structural precision leads to a long and chiseled finish with lasting minerality.
