This is a tribute to one of our favorite winery dogs, Murphy of Barrage Cellars, whom we were saddened to recently find out went to doggy heaven.

Murphy, a simply gorgeous chocolate lab, was always hanging around the tasting room to greet us with a big smile and a wagging tail. Winemaker Kevin Correll once said all Murphy wanted was love – and this absolutely wonderful dog got love by the barrel from Kevin and Rebecca.

Last April, Murphy shone in the “coffee table” book of photographs, Winery Dogs of Washington, and he even “signed” books for those who “pawchased” them. What a star! And oh so photogenic!

Around that time, Kevin released a new wine label in their dog’s honor. Underlining Murphy’s playfulness and surreptitiousness around the wine barrels, “Stealth,” a red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cab Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, sold out almost immediately. On release day, word had it that Murphy signed bottles as well as books, but we were out of town and unfortunately had to miss that joyous occasion.

Earlier this month, Barrage Cellars was honored as the official winery partner of Taste of Tulalip, so Kevin and Rebecca renamed Stealth as “Murphy’s Blend,” which was lovingly poured into engraved bottles that were featured at the wine and food extravaganza at Tulalip Resort.

After the photo shoot for the Winery Dogs of Washington book, Kevin and Rebecca took this photo of Murphy, saying he was all tired out and resting after all the posing and fanfare.

And now we know he is resting in peace in doggy heaven.

Kevin and Rebecca, our hearts hurt with yours. Murphy was your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You were his life, his love, his friend.

We miss you too, Murphy. And we hope, from the bottom of our hearts that our dogs Sam and Shadow met you on the bridge to doggy heaven and you’re romping around with them right now.

We raise a glass (or two) of our favorite Barrage Cellars wine to you! Murphy, R.I.P.