Mira Cabernet Sauvignon Schweizer Vineyard
The 2017 Vintage
In September 2022 Mira Winery released the 2017 vintage of the acclaimed Mira Cabernet Sauvignon Schweizer Vineyard.
Vintage Summary
2017 is a year in which Nature kept us on our toes through much of the growing season. Winter brought us a much needed abundance of rain that refreshed our groundwater supplies. The mild spring felt like a continuation of winter which culminated in a rare June hailstorm. Very warm summer temperatures lead to the wildfires at the end of harvest. Fortunately for Mira, none of our vineyards were impacted and we had wrapped up harvest before the fires, saving us from any effect on wine quality.
Vineyard Notes
Schweizer Vineyard, one of the oldest in Napa Valley, has been producing grapes for premier wines for over 100 years and has been owned by the Schweizer family since 1956. This small 42-acre vineyard in the heart of Stags Leap District brings together some of the best soils and the perfect microclimate for growing Cabernet Sauvignon. The combination of excellent draining Perkins Gravelly Loam soil, the guarantee of great afternoon sun due to its position on the east side of the valley and ideal hot days and cool nights secure that Schweizer Vineyard is among the world’s top locations to grow Cabernet Sauvignon.
Winemaking Notes
10-day cold maceration followed by 14 days of fermentation. Daily pumpovers during active fermentation at 91°F. 50 days total vat time in small French oak vats followed by malolactic fermentation in barrel. Aged for 30 months in 100% French oak barrels (100% new). Bottled non fined and non filtered.
Sensory Profile
Hints of violet, cigar box, and eucalyptus meet rich blackberry and bay leaf aromas, segue into intense and complex layers of black currants and dried herbs on the palate. Smooth despite tremendous structure, the wine’s savory black fruit character underlies layers of iron and crushed rock. Already extremely complex, this wine is destined for a profound journey in the cellar.
The Tasting
Mira Winemaker Gustavo A. Gonzalez sits down with Grapegrower Steve Schweizer to taste the Mira Cabernet Sauvignon Schweizer Vineyard.
The Heritage
Mira Winemaker Gustavo A. Gonzalez sits down with Grapegrower Steve Schweizer to discuss past vintages of the Mira Cabernet Sauvignon Schweizer Vineyard and the heritage that has led to such an extraordinary collection of wines.
The Judgement of Charleston
On May 24, 2016, Mira Winery marked the 40th anniversary of the legendary Judgment of Paris at our Tasting Room in Charleston, SC, with a blind tasting of eight highly rated top wines from Napa Valley and Bordeaux. The wines included two previously 100-point rated wines, according to Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate, from both Napa Valley and Bordeaux. Eleven judges from across the country gathered to compare these top wines and consider the stylistic evolution of the two regions since the Paris tasting.
"Mira’s…Cabernet Sauvignon actually marks the first time the Schweizer family has ever allowed a winery to designate Schweizer Vineyard label. They picked a good one to start. Against all odds, Mira Winery’s entry in the blind tasting [at the Judgment of Charleston 2016] finished third, behind only the Pétrus 2012 (a Merlot) and the 100-point Château Haut-Brion."
— THE DAILY CALLER
Mira's entry was its Cabernet Sauvignon Schweizer 2012, a limited selection, small production single varietal wine grown in one of the oldest and most exclusive vineyards in the Napa Valley. In the blind tasting with top Master Sommeliers, Advanced Sommeliers and wine experts from around the country, Mira Cabernet Sauvignon Schweizer Vineyard bested some of the greatest wines from the Napa Valley including Screaming Eagle, Schrader To Kalon and Shafer Hillside Select.