It is my pleasure to share the story of Mirror Napa Valley — the wines of NFL veterran Rick Mirer. Mirer is a former Seattle Seahawk quarterback who was also one of the famed high school quarterbacks in Indiana state history. At Notre Dame Mirer won three bowl games and accounted for more points running and throwing (350) than any other player in Notre Dame history.
The Seattle 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 wines have been consistently great over the last several years. I adored the 2022 Mirror ‘Stagecoach Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 95) which is deep and concentrated, with some seriously good aging potential. This is a home run from a very hot vintage. For more about Rick Mirer’s great winery go to https://www.mirrorwine.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Mirror Napa Valley.
2022 Mirror ‘Napa Valley Calistoga’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Mirror ‘Napa Valley Calistoga’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes off big and deep from this ripe vintage. Creme de cassis, mocha and dark currants all fill the palate alongside sweet pipe tobacco and baking spices. Delicious, plump and full-bodied, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 93
2022 Mirror ‘Napa Valley Rutherford’ Cabernet Sauvignon- A beautiful wine from this warm vintage, the 2022 Mirror ‘Napa Valley Rutherford’ Cabernet Sauvignon delivers loamy soils and creme de cassis notes on the palate, alongside fresh herbs, chocolate pie and Turkish coffee notes. Full-bodied and delicious, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 93
2022 Mirror ‘Stagecoach Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 ‘Stagecoach Vineyard’ comes from this mountain location set on volcanic soils. Tar, violet rose petals and tobacco leaf fill the nose ealongside huckleberry fruit tones. The palate is heady and viscous with serious flavor density and verve. Decadent black and blue fruits greet you with chocolate cake and espresso bean tones. A delicious rendition of this wine, enjoy now and over the next fifteen years. Drink 2025-2040- 95