Murrietas Well The Spur

Murrieta's Well The Spur is a full-bodied, estate-grown Bordeaux-style red blend from California's Livermore Valley at 14.5% ABV (750ml). The 2019 vintage earned 94 points from The Tasting Panel, 92 points from Wine Enthusiast, and Gold medals at both the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and the Sunset International Wine Competition.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Livermore Valley, California  |  2019 Vintage  |  Winery: Murrieta's Well

Production & Heritage

Murrieta's Well is one of California's original wine estates, rooted in the Livermore Valley — a region with a winemaking history predating many of Napa's most celebrated properties. The Spur is a five-grape Bordeaux-style blend built on a backbone of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, layered with 9% Petite Sirah, 9% Merlot, 7% Malbec, and 5% Petit Verdot. Each varietal is farmed, harvested, and vinified individually from estate fruit before the final blend is assembled and aged 24 months in French oak barrels, half of which are new. The inclusion of Petite Sirah — a grape not found in traditional Bordeaux — gives The Spur a distinctly Californian stamp, adding color intensity, structure, and a velvety depth that separates it from classic Left Bank blends.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: An expressive nose opens with ripe black cherry and blackberry, followed by layers of spiced cranberry, vanilla, and subtle oak. Deeper into the glass, secondary notes of graham cracker, clove, and cedar emerge.

Taste: The entry is plush and concentrated, with plump black cherries and jammy dark fruit meeting baking spices at the mid-palate. As the wine opens, flavors of melting dark chocolate, rich plum, and cardamom build toward a full-bodied peak. A creamy texture carries the fruit without heaviness, and the tannins are round and well-integrated.

Finish: Medium-long and smooth, with lingering notes of leather, graphite, and ground cloves. The oak influence is present but restrained, adding structure rather than dominating the fruit.

How to Drink The Spur

The Spur is best enjoyed at cellar temperature (60–65°F) in a large Bordeaux glass. Decanting for 30 to 45 minutes will open up the secondary aromatics and soften any remaining tannin grip. While this is primarily a wine to savor on its own or alongside food, it also works in wine-forward mixed drinks: a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) takes on surprising complexity with a wine this rich; a classic Red Wine Sangria benefits from the dark fruit density and spice; and a Mulled Wine preparation in cooler months pairs naturally with The Spur's existing clove and baking-spice character.

Best For

• A dinner-party centerpiece alongside grilled red meats and braised dishes
• Gifting a wine lover who appreciates California's lesser-known premium regions
• Building a cellar collection of age-worthy Bordeaux-style blends
• Introducing someone to Livermore Valley's winemaking pedigree

Frequently Asked Questions

What does The Spur taste like? The Spur delivers concentrated black cherry, blackberry, and dark chocolate flavors framed by baking spices, vanilla, and round, creamy tannins. It is full-bodied with a soft texture and a smooth, lingering finish marked by leather and graphite.

How does The Spur compare to Napa Valley Bordeaux-style blends? James Suckling described The Spur as "proof that the Livermore Valley can make serious Bordeaux blend reds," awarding the 2016 vintage 93 points. Where many Napa Bordeaux blends rely on Cabernet-Merlot profiles, The Spur's addition of Petite Sirah introduces an inky depth and velvety texture that is distinctly Californian and typically comes at a more accessible price point than comparable Napa bottlings.

Is The Spur good for sipping on its own? Yes — its round tannins, layered fruit, and balanced oak make it an excellent wine for sipping neat. Decanting for 30 to 45 minutes before serving will further enhance the aromatics and mouthfeel.

Where is The Spur made? The Spur is produced by Murrieta's Well, an estate winery in California's Livermore Valley, located east of San Francisco Bay. All fruit is sourced exclusively from the estate's own vineyards.

What foods pair well with The Spur? Grilled lamb chops complement the wine's dark fruit and spice character. Braised short ribs mirror its richness and round tannins. Aged cheddar or Gruyère highlight the vanilla and cedar notes. Dark chocolate desserts echo the wine's chocolate mid-palate. Mushroom risotto pairs well with the earthy, leathery undertones on the finish.

What sizes does The Spur come in? The Spur is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is The Spur worth the price? The Spur positions as a premium Livermore Valley red blend that consistently earns scores in the 92–94 point range from respected publications. It delivers complexity and production quality — estate fruit, 24-month French oak aging, individual varietal vinification — that competes favorably with more expensive California Bordeaux-style blends.

Why The Spur?

The Spur stands out because it draws from one of California's oldest wine estates to produce a Bordeaux-style blend with a genuinely Californian identity. The 94-point score from The Tasting Panel and dual Gold medals at the San Francisco Chronicle and Sunset International competitions confirm the 2019 vintage as one of the expression's strongest to date. The decision to vinify each of the five varietals separately before blending — and to include Petite Sirah alongside the four traditional Bordeaux grapes — results in a wine that is structurally richer and texturally more generous than many peers. For drinkers who want serious, estate-grown, Bordeaux-inspired California red without the Napa Valley price premium, The Spur makes a compelling argument for Livermore Valley.