Winegrowing
Our Process
The Mira process begins before the vineyard. Napa Valley is renowned for its diversity of soil and micro-climate which means different grapes grow better in different locations. Therefore in order to produce a exceptional broad portfolio of wine we have identified the best blocks from vineyards around the valley. Our blocks from these different vineyards provide the best grapes for the type of wine we want to make whether its a Cabernet Sauvignon from the Stags Leap AVA or a Pinot Noir from the Carneros AVA year after year.
The decision to harvest grapes is a combination of science, intuition and experience. Our primary objective is to pick the grapes when they are closest stylistically to the type of wine we are making. The grapes will ultimately reflect the season and their origin. All Mira blocks are hand harvested.
From harvest to fermentation we are minimally invasive so that the grapes are in pristine form when they make it to the tank. We use three 5 ton Taransaud French Oak Fermentors which were the first of their kind in the United States among other tanks for fermentation which includes a mix of whole clusters and de-stemmed grapes depending on the wine.
We use French Oak Barrels from 6 different cooperages with a variety of toasts for aging as well as some stainless steel barrels on our whites. Typically our white wines age for 12-24 months and our red wines age from 14-24 months depending on the wine.
After bottling mostly nonfined and nonfiltered we hold the wine for 12-18 months or until the wine is ready for release.
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Winemaking
Since 2023 acclaimed winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown has been responsible for MIra wine production. Our long-held approach to winemaking is one of intention, precision and artistry. Using only sustainably farmed, 100% Napa Valley fruit, Mira allows each wine to reveal itself in its own time as a deliciously magical snapshot of a time and place, meant to be shared now and for years to come. Made with the enthusiastic collector in mind, these wines are built to age from 15 to 30 years but remain confidently drinkable upon release. Mira Winery releases extremely limited quantities of select wines each year. Winemaker Gustavo A. Gonzalez was responsible for Mira wine production
from 2009 - 2022.
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.
Our Vineyard Partners
Our Collectors Series wines are 100% varietal, hand crafted and produced from the best small blocks from internationally renowned Napa Valley growers Hyde and Schweizer Vineyards. These limited production wines, representing the soul of Mira Winery, require longer aging in 100% French Oak Barrels, as well as in bottle, to allow their delicate nuances to fully express themselves.
Schweizer Vineyard
Schweizer Vineyard, one of the oldest in Napa Valley, has been producing grapes for premier wines for over 100 years and owned by the Schweizer family since 1956. This small 40 acre vineyard in the heart of Stags Leap District, brings together some of the best soils and the perfect microclimate for the growing of Cabernet Sauvignon. Mira’s Schweizer Cabernet perfectly reflects the unique characteristics of Stags Leap and represents the first time the Schweizer family has ever permitted a winery to designate the Schweizer Vineyard on the label. We like to refer to it as the most famous vineyard you’ve never heard of, until now.
Oakville AVA
Located on the east side of valley and on the northernmost edge of the Oakville AVA is the transition spot from a Region II growing area (similar to Bordeaux) to a Region III growing area (similar to the Rhone). Considered moderately warm, summer temperatures are generally about one degree cooler than Rutherford, three degrees cooler than St. Helena, and eight degrees cooler than Calistoga. These attributes create ideal conditions for growing robust fruit with smaller clusters and berries that lead to generous levels of concentration and flavor.
Hyde Vineyard
Recently identified by the Wall Street Journal as one of “the five California vineyards you need to know,” Hyde Vineyard is the superstar of the Los Carneros region of Napa Valley. Larry Hyde began planting in what would become Hyde Vineyard in 1979. Recognizing the ideal conditions of East facing slopes, sun exposure and coastal influence, his experiments with vine row orientation, rootstock and clonal selection has resulted in a vineyard able to produce some of the finest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, while also producing stellar Syrah and other less common Napa Valley varieties. Recognized as “The Wise Man of Carneros” by Wine Spectator, it is no wonder grapes from this vineyard are so strongly sought after and Mira is proud to produce more varietals from Hyde Vineyard than any other producer.
Ovum
This egg-ceptional piece of technology is the only one of its kind in Napa Valley and all of the western hemisphere. Ovum is the world’s first egg-shaped barrel crafted from oak and represents a significant technical achievement for the cooperage industry. Developed by the team at Tonnellerie Taransaud, our primary supplier of French oak barrels, the Ovum has become one of the most exciting and sought-after innovations for world’s most talented winemakers.
If you’re also not familiar with Sauvignon Gris, don’t worry, you’re not alone. This rare grape variety is not as well-known as its cousin, Sauvignon Blanc, but it’s just as egg-citing. And when it’s fermented in Ovum, it takes on a whole new level of egg-ceptional flavor and complexity.
What is Sauvignon Gris? It’s a greyish/pink-skinned mutation of the Sauvignon Blanc grape. It most likely originated around Bordeaux, and you may stumble across more if it in the Loire Valley. It historically limited by low yields, but its popularity is gaining. Only 70 tons were harvested in all of California in 2019.
Sauvignon Gris is less aromatic than Sauvignon Blanc, but certainly capable of producing beguiling wines. Wines produced from Sauvignon Gris tend to be richer, voluptuous and more complex in texture than Sauvignon Blanc, with ripe fruit tropical flavors as well as citrus notes. Sauvignon Gris is also often blended with Sauvignon Blanc, like our Mira Estate White Blend 2021.
Mira Winery’s 2021 Ovum Aureum, which is 100% Sauvignon Gris made in the Ovum, is the perfect Easter wine. Aromas of melon, Bosc pear, peaches and cream, brioche, and nutmeg are followed by a palate that is fruit-forward, round, consists of baked apple, quince and creamy marzapan. The finish is bright, long and refreshing.
Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to raise a glass of wine made in an egg-shaped fermenter to celebrate? It’s the egg-stra touch that will make your celebration truly egg-ceptional. It’s a great pairing with Salmon Tartar, Pani Puri with Avocado Mousse.
Aquaoir
Chart Magazine recently took a dive into the world of aging wine underwater, featuring Mira Winery’s own experiment, Aquaoir, in 2013:
“On paper, the case for ageing wine underwater is a strong one. Deep beneath the waves the temperature of your cellar never fluctuates, allong your wine to mature at its own pace. You don’t need to worry about oxygen contamination. No ultra violet light can yellow the wine or damage the flavour. For now, at least, the storage is free and limitless. Tucked up in their underwater bed, your bottles will be gently cradled and rocked by the motion of the ocean.”
