Mira Winery 2018 Vintage Notes in Napa Valley

The 2018 vintage in Napa Valley was one to remember. Despite some challenging weather conditions, Mira was able to produce exceptional wines that showcase the unique terroir of Napa. The growing season began with a wet winter, which provided much-needed moisture for the vineyards after several years of drought. However, the wet weather continued into the spring, which delayed bud break and flowering. This meant that the growing season got off to a slower start than usual.

During in the summer, the weather turned hot and dry, with temperatures reaching into the triple digits in some parts of the valley. Winemakers had to be vigilant about irrigation and canopy management to ensure that the grapes didn’t get too much sun exposure. In late August, the weather shifted again, with a few days of rain and cooler temperatures. This provided some relief for the vines and allowed them to recover from the heat stress. The cooler temperatures also helped to slow down ripening, which allowed the grapes to develop more complex flavors and aromas.

Harvest began in early September and we were pleased that the slow sugar accumulation that permitted us to wait as long as possible for flavor development lead to ideal harvest conditions. We were rewarded with a vintage that was bountiful but full of flavor, with good acidity and intense flavors. The resulting wines from the 2018 vintage are nothing short of spectacular. They are characterized by their deep, rich flavors, balanced acidity, and silky tannins. The red wines, in particular, are showing great depth and complexity, with aromas of dark fruit, chocolate, and spice.