One of the storied names in Seattle sports history, Rick Mirer is a former Seattle Seahawk quarterback that is now applying his trade in Napa, producing brilliant Cabernet Sauvignon wines. One of the most illustrious high school quarterbacks in Indiana state history, Mirer earned the Academy of Achievement Award as the top high school football player in the country in 1989, as well as the Atlanta Touchdown Club's Bobby Dodd Award as the nation's best high school quarterback. At Notre Dame, Mirer was just as good, winning three bowl games and accounting for more points running and throwing (350) than any other player in Notre Dame history.
The Seattle Seahawks were a very poor team when they drafted Mirer in 1993. Still, Mirer finished his rookie season 5th in the AFC with 274 completions and 2833 yards and was AFC Rookie of the Year by United Press International. Mirer’s remaining seasons were not as successful in Seattle, being set behind an abysmal offensive line. Having gone to those games in the 1980s, all of us in the stands knew that Mirer was really not given a fair chance with such poor protection. Eventually traded to the Chicago Bears in 1997, Mirer continued to play as a backup quarterback until 2004.
Close friends with Drew Bledsoe, and drafted right behind him in 1993, Mirer admits that his friendship with Bledsoe helped lead him to start Mirror Napa Valley. Bledsoe and Mirer even took off-season vacation with their wives to Napa Valley. During the off-season they would also try to stump each other with wines from Port or Brunello di Montalcino. It made sense that both quarterbacks would start their wineries post-football. While playing for the Raiders and 49ers Rick became even more passionate for wine, being so close to Napa Valley. Finally in 2008 Rick started Mirror Napa Valley, utilizing the winemaking talents of Kirk Venge, formerly of Mumm Napa Valley. Kirk serves as winemaker for several great Napa wineries including B Cellars, Bacio Divino Cellars, Beau Vigne, Entrepreneur Wines, and Hunnicutt Wines. The new releases by Mirror were gorgeous. Check out the 2016 Mirror Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 92) which has great depth and concetnration, with classic herbal tones. Even better is the 2016 Mirror ‘Howell Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon (WWB, 94) which is a dense and massive treat, with a great acid backbone and great viscosity. For more about Rick Mirer’s great winery go to https://www.mirrorwine.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Mirror Napa Valley.
2016 Mirror Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from the Moulds Vineyard & Stagecoach Vineyards, the 2016 Mirror Cabernet Sauvignon opens with cassis and red bell pepper tones, with flinty and smoky accents that entice. The palate has good freshness and verve, with a lovely viscosity. Blackberry cobbler, mocha and creme de cassis flavors all marvelously come together alongside the vibrant mineral backbone. Outstanding in its youth, this beautiful wine will cellar well for the next two decades. Drink 2020-2035- 92
2016 Mirror ‘Howell Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The ‘Howell Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from the Cimarossa Vineyard which is set at more than 1500 feet. This limited production bottling was aged for twenty nine months in 100% new French oak prior to bottling. The plush, hedonistic aromas of creme de cassis, anise and blackberry compote bring you back to the glass for more delight. The palate has a silky texture and wonderful refinement. While obviously rich, the elegance of the wine cannot be overstated. Intense dark fruits meld with chocolate cake, creme de cassis, anise and exotic spices on the palate. Fantastic to savor in its youth, the ‘Howell Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon will be exceedingly long lived. Drink 2020-2040- 94