Mirassou Vineyards – Over 150 Years Old and Stilol Going Strong

Mirassou Vineyards is another of those old California wine making families. They are the closest thing to a wine making dynasty that we have here in the United States. Now in their fifth generation of wine makers, the Mirassou family began making wine in 1854, during the time of the California Gold Rush. For any winery to be around that long, surviving all of the trials and tribulations of Civil war, three major depressions, two world wars, and the dry years of Prohibition, must say something for the quality of its products and the tenacity of the family. Throughout their history, they have specialized in quality wines at affordable prices. Since they are still around and under the same family ownership, they must be doing something right.

Mirassou 2009 California Cabernet Sauvignon ($12). This very attractive cab has a medium body and presents the aroma of blackberry, cassis and oak. These aromas carry over to the flavor where they mingle with oak and a suggestion of raspberries. The wine is very open and easy to drink and there is no need for further bottle aging but it can improve if laid down for up to three years. The Mirassou 2009 California Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect accompaniment for lamb, beef, moderately spiced dishes and full flavored cheese.

Mirassou 2009 California Pinot Noir ($12). This light ruby colored wine hides a rather full body and a very big flavor. The aroma is, to say the least is an ever expanding calliope concentrating on dark cherry and plum with hints of spice and tobacco. There are the flavors of cherries and plums along with hints of cloves and a background of spicy oak. The finish too is excellent, being long, fruity, and complex. It is a wine whose modest price belies it exceptional quality and a wine that can accompany most meat dishes as well as the full flavored sea foods.

Mirassou 2009 Sauvignon Blanc ($12). This is a very easy drinking wine and is typical of a California sauvignon blanc, but without accenting the grassy flavor that is sometimes associated with this variety. Both the aroma and the flavor stress the melon and grapefruit characteristics of the grape, while maintaining a slight fruit sweetness. This bit of sweetness raises this wine from the ordinary to the position of an impeccable sipping wine. While Sauvignon Blanc wines are usually reserved for shell fish, this wine can be served wherever a white wine is called for.

Mirassou 2010 Riesling ($12). This is a fruity, semi-sweet white wine made in the old German tradition. The wine has the apricot and raisin flavor which is the signature flavor of all wines made from the riesling grape. The aroma is a citrus delight featuring grapefruit, lemon peel and lime with a hint of flowers. The flavor takes a different direction and is dominated by a host of tropical fruits of all descriptions along with a crisp citrus acidity. This is the perfect wine to accompany oriental foods or grilled fish. Look this one up; it is really a treat and is a great replacement for the usual white zinfandel.

Mirassou 2009 Pinot Grigio ($12). If you like Pinot Grigio, you will love this wine. If you have never tried this style of Italian wine you have missed a great treat. Pinot Grigio is a soft, straw colored, dry wine with a rich fruity bouquet and a lively raisiny-grape flavor. It is the perfect wine to accompany pasta dishes that are served with white sauce or the ever present summertime salads.

Mirassou 2010 Moscato ($12). The Mirassou 2010 Moscato is sweet, but it is not sugary because it derives its sweetness from the natural sugars in the grape. The aroma is heavy with the perfume of apricot, orange blossom and lilac. On the palate the flavors of mango and melon dominate over those of citrus. This is a wine that can rival many of the expensive Italian import and does so easily.