Jackson Family Wines Murphy Goode Pinot Noir 2019

Murphy-Goode California Pinot Noir 2019

The "Friendly Californian" – Accessible, Fruit-Forward, and Balanced

In April 2026, the 2019 Murphy-Goode California Pinot Noir is a charming example of a "drink-now" style that has held its freshness remarkably well. Part of the Jackson Family Estates (the same family behind Kendall-Jackson and La Crema), Murphy-Goode is known for its "unfiltered joy" and approachable winemaking.

The 2019 vintage across California was a standout for Pinot Noir. A long, steady growing season with no major heat spikes allowed grapes from Sonoma County down to Santa Barbara to develop deep flavors while keeping their essential "Pinot zip."

🍷 Tasting Notes (2026 Perspective)

At nearly seven years old, this wine has moved into a beautifully integrated phase. It has lost the "raw" edge of youth and replaced it with a soft, tea-like complexity.

• The Nose: Inviting and Aromatic. It opens with a classic Californian "pop" of ripe black cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. As it breathes, you’ll find more subtle notes of vanilla bean, cola, and dried tea leaves, with a faint hint of baking spices (cinnamon and clove).

• The Palate: Medium-Bodied and Silky. The entry is "juicy and smooth." You’ll find a core of red fruit preserves balanced by soft, integrated tannins and a bright acidity. It is aged in a mix of French and American oak, which adds a creamy vanilla weight without overwhelming the fruit.

• The Finish: Clean and Balanced. It concludes with a persistent finish of cherry skin and a touch of earthiness, leaving a refreshing, savory impression.

📋 Technical Snapshot

Pro Tip

This is a "high-utility" wine—meaning it’s just as good at a backyard BBQ as it is at a formal dinner.

The Serving Tip: Serve at a "cellar cool" 14°C–16°C. Because it has a screw cap, it doesn't need long to open up, but a quick 15-minute decant or just a few swirls in a large glass will help the "tea leaf" and "vanilla" aromatics bloom.

The Pairing:

• The "Coastal" Match: A classic pairing for Grilled Cedar-Plank Salmon or Seared Ahi Tuna. The wine’s acidity cuts through the fatty fish perfectly.

• The "Casual" Match: Its medium body and soft tannins make it a rare red wine that works with a Pulled Pork Sandwich or Roasted Chicken with herbs.

• Finnish Twist: Try it with Sautéed Reindeer (Poronkäristys) with mashed potatoes. The wine's tart red fruit (lingonberry-like) and soft structure won't overwhelm the delicate, gamey flavor of the reindeer.