Mirror Napa Valley was founded by former NFL Quarterback Rick Mirer in 2008. Rick is close friends with Drew Bledsoe and was drafted right behind him in 1993. Bledsoe of course when on to found Doubleback Winery in Walla Walla Valley and Rick admits that his friendship with Bledsoe helped lead him to start Mirror Napa Valley. Kirk Venge is the winemaker at Mirror Napa Valley. Mirror also makes a Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and
Rosé.
Rick recently sent me some of his new releases to sample.
2016 Mirror Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – Purple in color. 15.1% ABV. Sourced from the Moulds Vineyard and Stagecoach Vineyards. Gorgeous nose of black fruits, anise, smoke and graphite. Rich and plush with tremendous acidity and concentrated fruit. Blackberry, cassis liqueur, currant and spice on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish with silky, fine grained tannins. Really impressive Cabernet that is approachable now but will no doubt age well for another decade. Best over the next 6-8 years. $95 at the winery and retail. My rating: 93 points.
2016 Mirror Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain – Purple in color. 14.5% ABV. The fruit is from Cimarossa Vineyard. Brooding nose of black fruits, licorice, scorched earth and leather. Full bodied and plush and just packed with rugged mountain fruit. Blackberry, black cherry, currants and plums on the palate Exceptional length on the finish with notable coarse tannins. Old school in style and a wine that could use some time in the cellar. Best over the next 7-10 years. $120 at the winery and retail. My rating: 94 points.
Mirror Napa Valley is open by appointment for tastings and is also accepting names for their mailing list. There is much to like here and I certainly look forward to following the winery in the years to come.