Murphy-Goode, Alexander Valley (Sonoma County, California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

This is the style of Cabernet Sauvignon that made California famous for that variety.  It’s balanced and discreet, with haunting herbal influences that complement the ripe fruit flavors.  Not overdone, over extracted or over oaked, the multifaceted flavors of Cabernet come through.  It dances on your palate.  Murphy-Goode makes a series of more muscular — and expensive —  single vineyard Cabernets as well for people who are looking for more oomph in their wines.  For my money, I’d go with this one because you can appreciate the subtlety the wine offers.