Rick Mirer, Owner, Mirror Wines

Rick Mirer is the owner and founder of Mirror Wines. The company aims high, looking to do something "spectacular yet subtle" with its wines and aims for good, donating a proceeds of wine sales to the Mirer Family Foundation which helps folks in Indiana and California.

If you were a college football fan in the early 90s you'll recognize the name as one of the best to put on a Notre Dame Fighting Irish uniform. If you were a college fan of Boston College (my alma matter) in the early 90s you may remember in Rick's senior year when the Irish squeaked by the Eagles 54 - 7.

Rick's winemaker, Rob Lawson, was instrumental in the early days of the "cult" wines. Together they have released the 2007 Mirror Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (600 cases released 10/1/10, $75 per bottle) and the 2010 Mirror Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc (380 cases, released 5/1/2011, $24 per bottle). The 2007 Cab is its third release and has drawn comparisons to Colgin and Spottswood at a fraction of the price.

Rick was kind enough to agree to an interview for you, our readers. Enjoy!

What was the first memory you have of wine?

When I lived in Seattle we used to eat at the Metropolitan Grill almost weekly. They were so good to us there, especially after football games. I sipped on several cabs with my steaks and started to understand how food and wine go together.

What was the first wine that you considered to be good wine?

I really liked Phelps Insignia early on, 1998 Hourglass Cabernet was the first wine to really get my attention.

Do you think it's the taste of the experience while drinking the wine that makes it good? Why?

I believe it is both. The company you are in, the weather, the occassion all can help. The bottom line is that if you like it, it's good.

How big is your cellar?

I have a fairly small, but developed cellar. 1000 bottles plus my Mirror library.

What is your favorite varietal? Why?

I prefer Cabernet, but like to drink most varietals, Syrah and Grenache are on my radar these days.

What is your favorite region for wine?     

Napa comes first. I have tried many others and keep coming back.

What is your favorite vineyard or brand?

Mirror obviously. Our St. Helena and Oakville sources are some of the best there are anywhere.

Do you have a favorite bottle? (varietal, regon,  year)

Some of the 1997 Napa Cabs were so good. Bryant, Hurlan, etc. Awesome vintage overall.

What wine are you saving for a special day?

Magnum of 1985 Mouton Rotschild.

Where do you buy the majority of your wine?

I like to get it from the source. Most of the domestic stuff I buy comes from the winery itself. I like to know the people.

Have you ever had an organic wine? Did you like it?

I'm not sure. Technically our wine is organic, but not organically certified. It's proably something that will be more common soon.

What's the most you've ever spent on a bottle of wine?

Probably $500-600.

What was your favorite wine experience?    

I have had many. Recently I was having dinner with a Master Sommelier and he blind tastd us after we had a few other gems.

I nailed the wine he poured, a 2004 Cabernet Franc. He was impressed. That is a good time to guess right!

What one wine do you recommend our readers try?

 2007 Mirror Cabernet Sauvignon.  Our 3rd vintage and still a brand new name to so many. We are really proud pof the wines Rob is making for us.