Today we share the story of Mirror Napa Valley. Rick Mirer is a former Seattle Seahawk quarterback that owns an outstanding Napa outpost. Mirer is one of the famed high school quarterbacks in Indiana state history, earning 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.
Our local Seahawks were struggling 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. 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.They both have created world-class 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. Mirer also has an outstanding foundation that gives to a range of charities.
The new wines from 2021 are the best yet. I love the 2021 Mirror Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 93) which shows outstanding flavor density. Even better is the sensational 2021 Mirror ‘Sugarloaf Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc (OB, 96) which is pillowy and soft with serious tension and richness. This is a world-class Franc from Napa. For more about Rick Mirer’s great winery go to https://www.mirrorwine.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Mirror Napa Valley.
2021 Mirror ‘Napa Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 Mirror Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a juicy and delicious bottling that has already hit its stride. Anise and red bell pepper notes combine with shades of graphite, tar and black licorice on the nose. The palate is rich and dense with a smooth mouthfeel and great savory edge with its herbal tones. Showing brilliantly now, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2024-2038- 93
2021 Mirror ‘Stagecoach Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2021 ‘Stagecoach Vineyard’ comes from this famed high elevation site that is set on volcanic soils. The nose is intense with violets, scorched earth and heady black and blue fruits. The smooth viscosity of the wine and bright underlying acidity really entice. The palate is wonderfully stony with dense cassis and pencil lead notes that combine with black forest cake flavors. Full-bodied, and showing a light herbal edge, this is beautiful and delicious high-elevation Napa Cabernet that is built to age. Drink 2024-2044- 95
2021 Mirror ‘Sugarloaf Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc- This 2021 Cabernet Franc comes form the Sugarloaf Vineyard which was first planted in 2006 and sits at 1250ft in elevation. This is seriously good and well-structured stuff that has a long way to go in the cellar. Loamy soils and creme de cassis flavors mark the palate, alongside wet stone, and sweet pipe tobacco. Gorgeous now, give this an hour in the decanter if consuming over the next few years. Drink 2024-2044- 96