Murphy-Goode Sauvignon Blanc Review (2023) – The Fumé

Murphy-Goode Sauvignon Blanc Featured

What Kind of Wine Is Murphy-Goode Sauvignon Blanc?

Murphy-Goode Sauvignon Blanc is a dry white wine from the North Coast of California. It displays its classic varietal aromas of pear and grass, followed by citrus and herb flavors. Hints of stone and exotic fruit emerge too, and they are brought together in a focused manner. As a Californian Fumé, Murphy-Goode has undergone oak aging, consequently the wine has extra complexity in comparison to the usual Sauvignon Blancs.

The Mediterranean climate of the region warms the vines. Successful Sauvignon Blanc examples from California display stone and tropical fruit. Contrary to wines produced elsewhere, Californian wines choose to preserve their pleasing fruitiness in favor of profound elaborateness. They remain rich and tender, ignoring intense and unnecessary structure. But let us find more about Murphy-Goode in this review!


Murphy-Goode The Fumé Sauvignon Blanc Review

  • Winery — Murphy-Goode
  • Country/Region — United States, California, North Coast
  • Type — Californian Fumé
  • Aroma — Pear, Apple, Peach, Apricot, Wet Grass
  • Grapes — 96% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Semillon
  • Taste — Lemon, Grapefruit, Pineapple, Mango, Basil, Oregano, Mineral, Smoke, Vanilla Spice
  • Alcohol Content — 13.5%
  • Sugar — Dry
  • Pairing — Roast Chicken, Grilled Steak, Pizza, Beef Hamburgers, Chinese

Murphy-Goode is a fantastic Sauvignon Blanc from California. It is crisp and refreshing, but as a Fumé, it also has structure and complexity. Murphy-Goode has undergone barrel aging, and therefore, sensations of smoke and spices blend marvelously with aromas of citrus and flavors of stone fruit. And as classic Sauvignon Blanc, the wine retains the subtle touches of grass and minerals of its varietal. Consequently, wine enthusiasts are sure to find satisfaction in Murphy-Goode, while enjoying it with friends or by the poolside.

Overall Rating: 4.0

Positives
  • Fruity
  • Refreshing
  • Delicious
  • Balanced Complexity
  • Long Finish
Negatives
  • It May Seem Slightly Sour
  • Perhaps Too Syrupy At Times

Tasting Notes

Murphy-Goode Sauvignon Blanc is super crisp. A quick sniff and swirl reveal notes of green and stone fruit, as well as exotics. On top of that, citrus and herb flavors surface too. One might even notice subtle layers of smoke and spices. These certainly derive from the oak nature of the wine. The finish is long and lingering, creamy and oily. Murphy-Goode is more complex than average Sauvignon Blancs, and that is a good thing. It is delightful and structured, encompassing its elegant varietal character to the fullest.

Appearance

Murphy-Goode Sauvignon Blanc wine has an incredible appearance. It starts with a medium lemon-grass color, like lemonade. Then, the semi-opaque center opens near the rim, and a bold citrus color develops. Murphy-Goode is attractive and intriguing. And therefore, wine enthusiasts will be impressed.

Aroma

Murphy-Goode opens with classic Sauvignon Blanc aromas of green and stone fruit. Pear, apple, peach, and apricot burst as soon as the bottle uncorks. And as Murphy-Goode becomes accustomed to room temperature, a fragrance of wet grass appears. That is an indicator that the wine is a prime Sauvignon Blanc example. In addition, the fruit-forwardness of the wine continues as grapefruit aromas emerge after a few vigorous swirls.

Taste

In the mouth, Murphy-Goode showcases a multitude of citrus and herb flavors. Lemon and grapefruit are combined with basil and oregano, creating Mediterranean notes. Subtle touches of pineapple and mango celebrate the warm Californian nature of the wine, while minerals, such as pebbles and flint, add a layer of elegance to the palate. On top of that, smoke and vanilla spice unearth as the wine flows into the mouth. Murphy-Goode is medium-bodied and balanced.

Finish

Buttery and creamy, the Murphy-Goode Sauvignon Blanc finish is long and lingering. The pear and pineapple sensations remain present, as well as the layers of smoke and vanilla spice. A short while after, the acidic nature takes over. Vibrant and refreshing, it concludes the immersive drinking experience.

Rating

In reviewing the wine, I reiterate that Murphy-Goode Sauvignon Blanc has charm and a unique crispness. And that it is a tremendous example of dedicated Californian wine-making. Murphy-Goode combines harmonically green and citrus fruit aromas with pineapple, herbs, and mineral flavors. Additionally, the ever-presence of smoke and vanilla spice constitute a distinctive, incomparable character. Murphy-Goode is a fabulous choice and the perfect wine to enjoy poolside.

Murphy-Goode Sauvignon Blanc Food Pairing

Murphy-Goode Sauvignon Blanc is a versatile wine, and it pairs well with a variety of different foods. Roasted chicken is a fantastic companion to Murphy-Goode as the crispy skin combines wonderfully with the citrus and stone fruit notes of the wine. Grilled steak is another excellent food option to pair with Murphy-Goode, if the meat is coated with apricot glaze, get ready for a finger-licking menu. As with most fruit-forward white wines, takeaway makes a solid combination. Pizza, Chinese, or hearty beef hamburgers can go a long way, together with a glass of Murphy-Goode, on a movie marathon night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Makes Murphy-Goode Sauvignon Blanc?

The wine is produced by Murphy-Goode Winery in North Coast, California. In 1985, Tim Murphy, Dale Goode, and Dave Ready decided to create wine, and thus, Murphy-Goode Winery was born. It is built around the concept: Don’t take life so seriously. Fumé Blanc and Chardonnay from the Murphy Ranch and Murphy-Goode Vineyard in Sonoma County were the first wines crafted by Murphy-Goode Winery.

Dale Good and Tim Murphy helped evolve Alexander Valley by bringing wire trellising, broad-scale drip irrigation, and leaf pulling to the area. Murphy, on the other hand, is considered the father of Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc. Dave Ready Jr. is the winemaker. He is a master-blender and ensures consistent yet complex wines.

How Is Murphy-Goode Sauvignon Blanc Made?

Murphy-Goode Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine based on pure fruit flavors. As such, careful handling in the winery is required to avoid oxidation and acidification. The grapes are picked, de-stemmed, crushed, and then pressed. Next, the newly released juice is clarified to conserve its aromatic intensity during fermentation. Afterward, it is placed into stainless steel fermentation vessels to undergo cool fermentation, which is vital to preserving as many primary flavors as possible. Once the fermentation has been completed, the final wine is filtered and bottled.

Where Is Murphy-Goode Sauvignon Blanc Made?

Murphy-Goode is made from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grapes on the North Coast of California. The North Coast is a warm region due to the Mediterranean climate that combines the warm sun with cooling influences from the Atlantic Ocean and fog. The region is a pioneer in American wine-making. It delivers wine styles widely appreciated by wine enthusiasts.

How to Serve Murphy-Goode Sauvignon Blanc?

Murphy-Goode is served best chilled at forty-five to fifty degrees Fahrenheit (seven to ten degrees Celsius) and in standard-sized white wine glasses. By doing that, the fresh, fruity characteristics are gathered and directed towards the top of the glass. In addition, as the wine is poured into the glass, the air comes into contact with the wine surface, elevating its flavor intensity.

To keep Murphy-Goode cool, make use of an ice bucket or wine cooler. The bucket should be filled three-quarters full with equal quantities of ice and water so that the bottle is surrounded by iced water. The water is then able to transfer the heat from the bottle to melt the ice. Air acts as an insulator, and the bottle chills. However, over-chilling can mask the flavors in wines.

How Much Does Murphy-Goode Sauvignon Blanc Cost?

The wine is very affordable. Murphy-Goode Sauvignon Blanc price ranges from $9 to $18 per 750ml bottle, depending on vintage and vendor. And from the fact that it pairs with such a great variety of foods, Murphy-Goode’s price point makes it a bargain. Try it at least once!

How Long Does Murphy-Goode Sauvignon Blanc Last?

Murphy-Goode Sauvignon Blanc must be drunk young. Bottle aging will not benefit it. On the contrary, to avoid harming the wine’s refreshing and fruity nature, wine enthusiasts should not take too long to uncork the bottle. On top of that, Murphy-Goode lacks the structural components required to withstand aging. It does not have tannins or an increased concentration in sugar and alcohol. Finally, within six months from the date of bottling, the wine needs to be consumed. Otherwise, its varietal character will decrease rapidly, leaving behind a dull and faulty wine.

How Many Calories Does Murphy-Goode Sauvignon Blanc Have?

Murphy-Goode Sauvignon Blanc is a safe dietary choice. The wine consists of 23 calories per 1 fluid ounce of the beverage, equating to 120 calories per serving. The calorie breakdown is 0g fats, 0g sodium, 3g total carbohydrates, 0g protein, and 0g total sugars. As a consequence, Murphy-Goode Sauvignon Blanc calories are not a challenge for everyday wine enjoyment. And it can support low-carb diets. In addition, Murphy-Goode Sauvignon Blanc alcohol content sits at 13,5% per 750ml bottle, a standard alcohol concentration for a Californian Fumé.

Conclusion

Murphy-Goode is a fantastic Sauvignon Blanc from California. It is crisp and refreshing, but as a Fumé, it also has structure and complexity. Murphy-Goode has undergone barrel aging, and therefore, sensations of smoke and spices blend marvelously with aromas of citrus and flavors of stone fruit. And as classic Sauvignon Blanc, the wine retains the subtle touches of grass and minerals of its varietal. Consequently, wine enthusiasts are sure to find satisfaction in Murphy-Goode, while enjoying it with friends or by the poolside.

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