94 Points, Gold Medal - California State Fair, 2012
Peter Murphy has worked in pretty much every aspect of the wine industry over his 4 decades in California wine country, from the cellar to vineyard planting and management. In 1997 he decided to start his own winery, Murphy Vineyards, with a focus on small ultra-premium vineyards from Napa and the Sierra Foothills. Murphy’s flagship wine has to be their Napa cab, which vintage after vintage strikes a beautiful balance between old world finesse and new world power. The somewhat cool 2007 vintage in Napa only served to emphasize this balance, and the resulting wine easily deserves its gold medal and 94-point score at the California State Fair.
The 2007 Murphy Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is deep ruby in color. Sitting typing this tasting note, with the glass a good 2 or 3 feet away, the nose is easily noticeable, with classic Cabernet aromas of black cherry, cassis, and tobacco. Closer attention reveals layers of blackberry and spice. The palate is vibrant and powerful, with black fruit and vanilla bean followed by an almost earthy, iron tinged finish. A perfect level of acidity keeps the wine fresh, with lingering blackberry and kirsch on the finish. For those who appreciate Napa Cab inspired by the great wines of Bordeaux, this one is sure to please, and for under $30, you will be hard pressed to find a Napa cab that will compete with this one.
Production Notes
The 2007 growing season started with a fairly dry winter followed by summer temperatures that ranged from mild to cool, with very few days topping 100 degrees. In the vineyard, the vines produced an above average cluster count, but the berry and cluster size were smaller which results an intensely flavored fruit harvest. The grapes were picked and crushed on October 2009. The juice was pumped over twice a day until fermentation was complete. The wine was racked to a mixture of neutral and French Oak Barrels. In June 2011 the wine was bottled with a total production of 200 cases.
95 Points
Deep garnet-purple in color, it strides confidently out of the glass with notes of crushed blueberries, ripe, fresh blackberries and warm cassis plus hints of black cherry, cardamom and nutmeg. The full-bodied palate is full of crunchy black fruits. It's rich and ripe firm chewy tannins provide additional structure and complexity as you make your descent into a long and flavorful finish.
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.
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