Mirassou

Mirassou, the name may be French but the wines are definitely Californian. The Mirassou family has been growing grapes and making wine in California for over 150 years and today, the sixth generation of the Mirassou family are still making wine and still under the family label which today is a rarity with large wine corporations gobbling up the smaller wineries. Their signature winemaking style has developed and matured over the century and a half since the winery was founded and it was this family that was instrumental in helping to develop the “California style” of fruit forward winemaking. As an added feature their wines have continued to remain in the very affordable price region.

Mirassou 2010 Merlot ($12). The Mirassou 2010 Merlot has the brilliant amethyst color and a full, almost overpowering varietal flavor and aroma. The wine presents a bold blackberry flavor with a background of black cherries and oak. There is also a fascinating under flavor that vintners describe as earthy which adds extra layer of character and complexity to the wine. All of these factors combine to make this wine an excellent and enjoyable choice as well as being affordable. If you have tired of the “run of the mill” Merlot’s we can assure you that this one is a cut above many in the same price category.

Mirassou 2010 Chardonnay ($12). A very, very California wine, that is loaded with an abundance of elegant fruit aromas and flavors. This wine is a brilliant combination of the European style and the open and fruity California style. The aroma is a mélange of summer fruits with peach and nectarine being the most prominent finishing in a modest undertone of oak and just a hint of vanilla. It is a very fine wine displaying everything that a great Chardonnay should display.

Mirassou 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($12). Sauvignon Blanc grapes can produce wines in the California style, with a melon and citrus flavor as well as wines in the classical style, with a prominent herbaceous (grassy) flavor. Mirassou 2011 Sauvignon Blanc lives in both worlds. It has the classical grassy component which is held in check allowing the California fruit forward style to stand out. The quality of this wine belies its very reasonable price.

Mirassou 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($12). The Mirassou 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon displays all of the charm and quality of wines selling for considerably higher prices. It is a wine that is heavy with the flavor of cassis, cherries and plums, a background of oak and a hint of mint. It is a delightful wine that permits one to enjoy a high quality Cabernet Sauvignon without destroying the budget. It is not hard for us to recommend this cab it is a great buy for the money.

Mirassou 2011 Pinot Noir ($12). Take one of the great soft, smooth French Pinot Noir’s and then add to it a load of fruit and you have the Mirassou 2011 Pinot Noir. The true California fruit forward style is there but also there is the finesse and character of a French classic. We are unabashed Pinot Noir lovers and can safely call this wine a true modern classic.

Mirassou 2011 Pinot Grigio ($12). If you like Pinot Grigio, you will love this wine but if you have never tried this variety, you have missed a great treat. This is a soft, straw colored, dry wine with a rich fruity bouquet and a lively raisiny-grape flavor and a long, fruit filled finish that can accompany almost any meal. This wine is a real treat; ’nuff said.

Mirassou 2011 Riesling ($12). Who said you have to be German to make a really fine Riesling? The Mirassou 2011 Riesling offers a superb treatment of the grape variety. It is a wine that exhibits a broad spectrum of flavors and aromas with peaches, apricots, pineapple and apple being the most prominent. The fruit acid is finely balanced and adds a modest background of citrus to this very enjoyable wine,