Murphy-Goode
Murphy-Goode winery is the end result of a shared vision derived from Tim Murphy, Dale Goode and Dave Ready. Over a game of Liar’s Dice in 1985, these three friends decided to form a partnership producing wine that they loved and having fun in the process. Their first Murphy-Goode wines produced were an estate grown Fume Blanc and Chardonnay according to our Murphy-Goode reviews. They would later pay homage to that historic game of Liar’s Dice by naming their Murphy-Goode Vineyards Zinfandel after it. Originally the three partners crushed all the grapes and Merry Edwards consulted the winemaking process. Fast forward to 2001 and Dave Ready Jr. was ready to take over as winemaker for Murphy-Goode. The focus has changed over the years from white to red wines, specifically their Bordeaux blends and Zinfandel according to our Murphy-Goode ratings. Today it is still a family run operation with Tim Murphy’s three sons overseeing the vineyards and Ready’s two sons handling the winemaking. Our Murphy-Goode Buying Guide below provides a full list of rated and reviewed wines.
Showing 1 thru -9 of 101
Murphy-Goode 2000 Robert Young Vineyards Reserve Merlot (Alexander Valley)
- $45
This concentrated wine almost startles with the richness of its black cherry, currant, olive, chocolate and spicebox flavors. They flood the mouth, but are well balanced by smooth, polished tannins that have been burnished to a sheen, good acidity and a lush overlay of oak. As extracted as it is, it’s balanced and harmonious.
— S.H.
(8/1/2004)
Murphy-Goode 1999 Reserve Robert Young Vineyards Merlot (Alexander Valley)
- $45
Impressive for its size and richness, but also for its elegance and finesse. Blackberry and olive flavors lead, while generous oak adds vanilla and cream notes. Soft tannins and acids provide a plushness that lasts through the refined finish. —S.H.
— S.H.
(2/1/2003)
Murphy-Goode 2002 Snake Eyes, Ellis Ranch Reserve Zinfandel (Alexander Valley)
- $35
A wonderful Zin that combines lushly ripe fruit with a smooth, velvety mouth feel. Blackberries, cherries, spicy blueberries and cocoa flavors drink sweet in fruity essence, yet the wine is dry. Has the balance and elegance of a fine Cabernet, with Zin’s distinct personality.
— S.H.
(3/1/2005)
Murphy-Goode 2002 Terra A Lago #4 Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)
- Cellar Selection
- $45
This block selection combines the richness of the winery’s Adams Knoll Cab with the tannic inaccessibility of the Sarah Block. The result is a wine that needs age. It displays its appellation’s herbal, tobaccoey personality, with a solid core of cherry and blackberry fruit. Best to cellar until 2008, and should hold well beyond that.
— S.H.
(3/1/2006)
Murphy-Goode 1998 Liar’s Dice Zinfandel (Sonoma County)
- Editors' Choice
- $17
Toasty nose, bright fruit, makes for a classy, creamy, zippy Zin. This is really a pleasure, balanced and forward and full of life. There are some nuances of tar and spice in a balanced, exceptionally lively, seductive wine.
— P.G.
(3/1/2001)
Murphy-Goode 1997 Reserve Fumé Blanc (Sonoma County)
- $24
From one of the most dependable Sauvignon Blanc producers in California, another winner. It’s all there: citrus, tropical fruit, butter, vanilla, honey, lees and lots of new oak. Very rich and extracted, with tart, almost nervous acidity.
— S.H.
(9/1/1999)
Murphy-Goode 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley)
- Editors' Choice
- $22
A rewarding and satisfying Cab. It may not be in the top tier, but it’s close, with voluptuous tannins and classically complex Cab flavors of blackcurrants, olives and herbs. Lacks a bit of concentration in the center, but the pedigree is so good, you’ll hardly notice over a grilled ribeye steak.
— S.H.
(8/1/2003)
Murphy-Goode 2003 Island Block Chardonnay (Alexander Valley)
- Editors' Choice
- $19
This elaborate wine totally satisfies for its rich, creamy texture and forward pineapple custard, kiwi, honeydew and tangerine flavors. As if that weren’t enough, toasty new oak carries it over the finish line. Dry and balanced, lots of quality here for the price.
— S.H.
(7/1/2006)
Showing 1 thru -9 of 101
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