Murphy Goode Sauvignon Blanc

Murphy Goode Sauvignon Blanc is a North Coast California white wine bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Awarded 90 points by Wine Enthusiast for its 2022 vintage, this expression distinguishes itself from typical California Sauvignon Blancs through a Fumé-style production approach that incorporates a small percentage of barrel fermentation and a touch of Semillon.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: North Coast, California  |  Varietal: 96% Sauvignon Blanc, 4% Semillon  |  Winery: Murphy-Goode

Production & Heritage

Murphy-Goode is rooted in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley, where the winery has built a reputation for approachable, fruit-forward wines from Northern California's premier growing regions. This Sauvignon Blanc draws fruit from the broader North Coast appellation and is fermented using a deliberate split: 13% of the blend undergoes barrel fermentation in neutral oak, while the remaining 87% is fermented entirely in stainless-steel tanks. The 4% Semillon addition contributes floral complexity, and the partial oak treatment imparts a subtle smokiness — the hallmark Fumé personality that separates this bottling from straightforward stainless-steel Sauvignon Blancs.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with bright lemongrass and citrus before giving way to layers of cinnamon apple, orange cream, and fresh herbs. Underneath, subtle vanilla bean from the oak influence rounds out the bouquet.

Taste: On entry, tangerine and white peach dominate, moving into a mid-palate of pear, pineapple, and honeydew melon. Cardamom and mineral undertones emerge as the wine develops across the palate, with bright acidity keeping the tropical fruit in check.

Finish: The finish is dry and clean, with lingering earth and mineral notes. A faint herbal touch persists alongside citrus zest, giving the wine a crisp and satisfying close.

How to Drink Murphy Goode Sauvignon Blanc

This wine drinks well slightly chilled, around 45–50°F, and is enjoyable on its own or alongside food. For cocktail-adjacent serves, try it in a White Wine Spritzer — the bright acidity and tropical fruit hold up beautifully against sparkling water and a citrus twist. It also works in a Sangria Blanca, where the peach and melon notes harmonize with sliced stone fruit and a splash of brandy. A Hugo Spritz variation, substituting this Sauvignon Blanc for Prosecco with elderflower and mint, plays off the wine's herbal undertones.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners calling for a versatile, food-friendly white
• Summer gatherings where guests range from casual wine drinkers to experienced palates
• Introducing someone to the Fumé Sauvignon Blanc style
• Pairing with lighter fare at outdoor barbecues or patio entertaining

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Murphy Goode Sauvignon Blanc taste like? It leads with tangerine, white peach, and pineapple, balanced by mineral and herbal notes, finishing dry with a subtle earthy quality from partial oak fermentation.

How does Murphy Goode Sauvignon Blanc compare to Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc? Oyster Bay, sourced from Marlborough, New Zealand, tends toward sharper green and herbaceous notes typical of that region, while Murphy Goode leans into riper tropical fruit and gains textural weight from its 13% barrel fermentation and 4% Semillon blend. Murphy Goode's Fumé style offers a rounder, slightly richer profile compared to the leaner, more acidic New Zealand approach.

Is Murphy Goode Sauvignon Blanc good for sipping on its own? Yes — the balance of bright acidity, fruit-forward character, and dry finish makes it a satisfying standalone pour, especially when served chilled.

Where is Murphy Goode Sauvignon Blanc made? It is produced by Murphy-Goode winery, based in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley, using fruit sourced from the North Coast AVA in Northern California.

What foods pair well with Murphy Goode Sauvignon Blanc? Grilled shrimp or fish tacos complement the wine's citrus and tropical profile. Goat cheese salads mirror the bright acidity, while Thai green curry plays off the herbal undertones. Roasted chicken with lemon and herbs matches the wine's weight and dry finish, and fresh oysters highlight its mineral character.

What sizes does Murphy Goode Sauvignon Blanc come in? It is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Murphy Goode Sauvignon Blanc worth the price? It positions as a solid value-tier California Sauvignon Blanc that punches above its weight, as evidenced by its 90-point Wine Enthusiast score — a strong showing for its price category.

Why Murphy Goode Sauvignon Blanc?

The 90-point Wine Enthusiast rating for the 2022 vintage confirms what the production method suggests: this is a Sauvignon Blanc with more complexity than its price tier typically delivers. The deliberate 13% barrel fermentation creates a textural dimension — that Fumé smokiness and roundness — absent from most comparably priced stainless-steel-only Sauvignon Blancs. The 4% Semillon addition is a winemaking choice borrowed from Bordeaux Blanc tradition, contributing floral lift and mid-palate richness. For drinkers who find New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc too sharp or standard California versions too one-dimensional, Murphy Goode sits in a rewarding middle ground.