TRY MIRROR WINES!

Review by Sheryll Alexander

We love to review wines and especially vintages with a good story to tell as well as bold flavors and smooth finishes. So we were excited to taste test Mirror Wine, which just so happens to be the passion of former NFL player and now vintner Rick Mirer (pronounced like mirror hence the company name).

Former Oakland Raider Rick Mirer founded Mirror Wine Company when he met Jeff Smith of Napa Valley’s Hourglass. Mirer was an Hourglass aficionado and Smith was a devoted Raider fan. The two football lovers formed a friendship. Then, the bromance became a triple whammy when Rob Lawson – a famous cult winemaker from Napa Valley – was brought in to craft exceptional wines. So, the three guys founded Mirror Wine with a a common philosophy: “a humble approach to making the best wines possible and a desire to over-deliver at every stage.”

First off, we tried the Mirror 2010 Sauvignon Blanc with a first course of a Mom’s delicate Chinese chicken salad. The aromas from this straw-colored white are delicious: citrus, peaches, pineapple and pear. On the tongue, this white has the perfect balance of acid, creamy and zesty flavors.

To pair with a second course of Dad’s famous marinated steak with a side of pasta marinara, we enjoyed the Mirror 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon. This glass of wine had a gorgeous floral, yet smoky nose with flower blossom, tobacco and chocolate smells. With just the right amount of tannins for a round red, this Mirror Cab was a sensuous experience with its dark berry and cherry flavors as well as oak, vanilla and spices.

Want to try Mirror Wines? The following OC restaurants carry the label: Starfish (Laguna Beach), The Ranch (Anaheim), BigCanyon (Newport Beach), The Winery (Tustin). Also ask for Mirror Wines at Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa and Amazing Grapes Wine Store in Rancho Santa Margarita.

Sheryll Alexander runs a news media agency based in Costa Mesa, California.