Murphy Goode Cabernet Sauvignon

Murphy-Goode Cabernet Sauvignon is a California red wine bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Awarded 92 points by Wine Enthusiast and a Gold medal at The Global Masters (2018 vintage), this expression consistently punches above its weight class among everyday California Cabernets.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: California, USA  |  Cabernet Sauvignon Blend  |  Winery: Murphy-Goode, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County

Production & Heritage

Murphy-Goode Winery was founded in 1985 by Tim Murphy, Dale Goode, and Dave Ready Sr. in Alexander Valley, Sonoma County. Since 2007, the winery has operated under Jackson Family Wines, giving winemaker Dave Ready Jr. access to a broad portfolio of California's coastal vineyard sites. While marketed as a Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine is actually a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon with small additions of Syrah (2%), Merlot (1%), Petit Verdot (1%), and Cabernet Franc (1%) — a classic Bordeaux-style blending approach that adds layers of complexity and texture to the finished wine.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Dark fruit leads immediately — ripe blackberry and black cherry dominate, followed by subtle notes of black licorice and dried thyme. A background of vanilla and lightly toasted oak rounds out the bouquet.

Taste: The entry is lush and juicy, built around ripe plum and cassis. Mid-palate, flavors of coffee spice and cedar emerge alongside herbal undertones that add structure. The small additions of Syrah and Petit Verdot provide a textural depth that keeps the wine engaging through the finish.

Finish: Moderately long with lingering notes of dark chocolate, vanilla, and a whisper of toast. Tannins are present but well-integrated, leaving a clean, slightly spicy close.

How to Drink Murphy-Goode Cab

Serve at 60–65°F, ideally after 20–30 minutes of breathing time in the glass or a brief decant. This Cabernet drinks well on its own and doesn't require elaborate treatment. A Classic Red Sangria benefits from the wine's dark fruit core and spice notes, providing structure without losing freshness. A Cabernet Reduction Sauce for grilled steak leverages the wine's blackberry and herbal character into a culinary application. A straightforward Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) works surprisingly well here, as the wine's moderate tannins and vanilla-tinged oak hold up against the sweetness.

Best For

• Weeknight dinner pairing with grilled meats or roasted vegetables
• Stocking a home wine collection with a reliable California Cabernet
• Bringing a crowd-pleasing bottle to a casual dinner party
• Introducing someone to Sonoma County winemaking without a steep price tag

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Murphy-Goode Cab taste like? It delivers ripe black cherry, cassis, and plum fruit supported by vanilla oak, coffee spice, and a thread of dried herbs. The tannins are moderate and well-integrated, giving the wine a smooth, approachable texture.

How does Murphy-Goode Cab compare to Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon? Both are widely available California Cabernets in a similar price tier, but Murphy-Goode's multi-varietal blend — incorporating Syrah, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc — tends to deliver more structural complexity than the typically softer, straightforwardly fruity profile of Josh Cellars. Murphy-Goode also carries a 92-point Wine Enthusiast score, which places it among the higher-rated options at this level.

Is Murphy-Goode Cab good for sipping neat? Yes — at 13.5% ABV with balanced tannins and generous fruit, it works well on its own, especially after a brief period of aeration to open up the vanilla and spice layers.

Where is Murphy-Goode Cab made? Murphy-Goode Winery is based in Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, and has been part of Jackson Family Wines since 2007. The grapes for this Cabernet are sourced from select coastal California vineyards.

What foods pair well with Murphy-Goode Cab? Grilled ribeye steak matches the wine's dark fruit intensity and moderate tannins. Braised short ribs echo the wine's coffee and spice notes. Aged cheddar or Gouda complement the vanilla and toast character. Lamb chops with rosemary play into the wine's herbal undertones. Dark chocolate desserts mirror the finish nicely without overwhelming the palate.

What sizes does Murphy-Goode Cab come in? The standard release is available in 750ml bottles, and select vintages may also be found in 375ml half-bottles or 1.5L magnums depending on distribution.

Is Murphy-Goode Cab worth the price? Murphy-Goode positions as a value-tier California Cabernet that regularly outperforms expectations — a 92-point Wine Enthusiast score and Gold medal at The Global Masters are uncommon distinctions at this price level, making it one of the stronger value plays in everyday California reds.

Why Murphy-Goode Cab?

What separates this wine from the crowded field of California Cabernets is the intentional blending strategy. Rather than bottling a simple varietal wine, winemaker Dave Ready Jr. incorporates small percentages of Syrah, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc to build layers of texture and aroma that straight Cabernet alone rarely achieves at this tier. The 92-point Wine Enthusiast rating and Gold medal from The Global Masters reflect a wine that consistently delivers above its station. Backed by nearly four decades of Murphy-Goode winemaking history and the vineyard resources of Jackson Family Wines, this is a bottle that earns repeat purchases on merit rather than marketing.