Jackson Family Wines Murphy Goode Pinot Noir 2023

Accessible Cool-Climate Fruit, Silky Spice, and West Coast Drinkability

Founded in Sonoma County in 1985 by Tim Murphy, Dale Goode, and Dave Ready, Murphy-Goode built its reputation on producing expressive, down-to-earth California wines. Today under the Jackson Family Wines umbrella, their California appellation Pinot Noir draws grapes from top coastal and inland cool-climate regions (including Santa Barbara, Monterey, and Sonoma County) to craft a fruit-forward, harmonious style.

The 2023 vintage across coastal California was exceptionally long and cool, allowing Pinot Noir grapes to ripen slowly while maintaining lively natural acidity and silky, fully integrated tannins.

🍷 Tasting Profile (2026 Perspective)

• The Nose: Fruit-Forward, Warm, and Aromatic. Opens with generous aromas of ripe dark cherry, black raspberry, and red plum, layered with subtle nuances of baking spice (vanilla, cinnamon), toasted oak, and a touch of cola nut.

• The Palate: Medium-Bodied, Smooth, and Round. Soft and approachable entry bursting with juicy red and dark berry fruit. The tannins are smooth and velvety, supported by gentle acidity that keeps the mid-palate balanced and plush.

• The Finish: Silky, Toast-Accented, and Lingering. Concludes with a smooth finish echoing cherry preserve, sweet oak spice, and cocoa powder.

📋 Technical Snapshot

Pro Tip

Serve slightly cellar-cooled at 15–16°C.

• The Classic Bistro Match: Great alongside pan-roasted pork loin, duck breast with plum sauce, roast chicken, or wild mushroom pizza.

• The Cheese Match: Pairs nicely with medium-aged Gruyère, Gouda, or mild bloomy-rind cheeses like Brie and Camembert.

• The "Nordic" Match: Excellent alongside Roasted Duck or Duck Breast with Sweet-and-Sour Lingonberry Sauce, or Pan-seared Salmon Fillet with Chanterelles. The wine's rich cherry fruit and soft vanilla-oak notes wrap nicely around duck fat and rich salmon, while its gentle acid backbone handles the sweet-tart lingonberry accents effortlessly.