Today we share the incredible journey of former Seattle Seahawk Rick Mirer. Mirer is easily one of the most illustrious high school quarterbacks in Indiana state history, and was awarded 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.
Mirer was drafted 2nd overall and joined a very poor Seattle Seahawks team. Yet 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.
Very 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.
Rick became even more passionate for wine while playing for the Raiders and 49ers and it was then in 2008 that he started his own winery, 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.
Just as I loved last years releases, the new white wines by Mirror are simply outstanding. Don’t miss out on the new 2021 Mirror ‘Petaluma Gap’ Chardonnay (OB, 93) which has beautiful flavor range and an incredible finish. For more about Rick Mirer’s great winery go to https://www.mirrorwine.com Here are the beautiful new white wines by Mirror Napa Valley.
2022 Mirror ‘Kick Ranch’ Sauvignon Blanc- Seriously good, the 2022 Mirror Sauvignon Blanc shows insanely good texture once on the mouth. Juicy pear and gooseberry flavors combine with bright verve and stony undertones on the palate. Drink 2023-2029- 92
2021 Mirror ‘Petaluma Gap, Sonoma County’ Chardonnay- The 2021 Mirror Chardonnay comes from the Calesa Vineyard in the Petaluma Gap region. This is a rich and opulent style of Chardonnay with Meyer lemon cream, cantaloupe, brioche and shades of cardamom dusted creme brûlée on the palate. Very polished and smooth, this is absolutely delicious Chardonnay that should be served a touch on the warm side to take in the beautiful range of flavors. Drink 2023-2030- 93