media kit - mira winery | luxury wines kit. 433 sosco ve, npa c 888.819.4668 our story mira winery...

433 S O S C O L AV E , N A PA C A W W W.M I R A N A PA .C O M 888.819.4668

M E D I A K I T


Our StoryM I R A W I N E R Y

Four years later the duo identified their

first block of grapes in Hyde Vineyard and

began to put the necessary pieces in place

to become a winery. In 2012 they launched

Mira Winery. Einstein said there are only

two ways to live life. One is as though

nothing is a miracle. The other is as though

everything is a miracle. Mira which is the

Latin root for miracle encompasses more

than just a personal philosophy it captures

all the process on the path to wine. The

Mira logo is the symbol for good harvest.

In 2005 Jim “Bear” Dyke, Jr. and Gustavo A. Gonzalez met by chance at the Off

The Record Bar at the Hay Adams Hotel in Washington, D.C. After a lengthy

discussion of the Golden Ratio the conversation moved to wine and by the end

of the evening the two had mapped out on napkins what they thought a premier

Napa Valley winery could be, defined by words such as boutique, innovative,

hand crafted, single vineyard.

Today Mira has vineyard blocks in acclaimed

one-of-a-kind vineyards across Napa Valley.

The diversity of vineyard blocks mirrors the

diversity of wine produced. Mira produces

hand crafted, all-natural wines year on year,

each a true expression of the unique grapes

that went into it. Aged to produce flavors

defined by their understated elegance, Mira

wines are ready to drink upon release and are

built for enjoyment after years in your cellar.

Mira is defined by its roots, anchored in the

lineage and longevity of the alchemy of Napa

Valley.


Our StoryM I R A W I N E R Y

J I M “B E A R ” DY K E , J R.

Walking the vineyards with Gustavo, I

remember talking about what an exceptional,

innovative, accessible Napa Valley winery

could be and the miracle it would be if we

ever got the opportunity. One of my first jobs

after a stint at the Senate Parking Lot upon

graduating from the University of Arkansas

was as Assistant Brewmeister at one of the

first Microbreweries in the country, Capital

City Brewing Company. The process was

grueling, we mashed with a steel rake while

adding 100 plus degree water but the end

product was rewarding. Winemaking has a

similar thought process but uses a different

formula that I find very attractive.

I remain awed by the idea that you can have a

wine from the same grapes from different parts

of the same vineyard and still produce a

unique product. Napa Valley is a combination

of quality and these nuances in the extreme.

Add barrel selection and winemaking style of

a truly global winemaker with an unforeseen

opportunity and you have the miracle of Mira.

G U S TAV O A . G O N Z A L E Z

My interest in wine as a career stemmed in

part from my family’s agriculture business.

I recall a 1980s bottle from the Robert

Mondavi Winery in my Dad’s wine stash.

It had a statement about wine that always

stuck with me, starting with how wine has

been with us since the start of civilization

and its place as an integral part of our

culture and “the gracious way of life.” This

view of wine was why I wanted to and did go

to work for Robert Mondavi. Through my 20

years as a Napa Valley winemaker, I love that

I am always learning something new.

Mira Winery is where I bring everything

I’ve learned and love about wine and

winemaking together. Working in an area

– Napa Valley – that produces some of the

finest grapes in the world, I strive to allow

those grapes to shine through in the wines

we produce.


Our Vineyard PartnersN A PA VA L L E Y

S C H W E I Z E R V I N E YA R D

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.

H Y D E V I N E YA R D

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,

rootstalk 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. The now approximately 200-acre

vineyard is a touchstone for quality not only

in Napa but around the globe.

M I R A C O L L E C T O R ’S S E R I E S

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 world class 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. Intended for

those who appreciate the impact that aging

has on fine terroir, enjoy the Collectors

Series upon release or allow the wines to

age further in your cellar.

We are proud of our partnerships with some of the most acclaimed growers of the

Napa Valley including Schweizer Vineyard in the famed Stags Leap District and

Hyde Vineyard in Los Carneros.


“The News

P R E S S

“Using fruit from 17-year-old vines harvested

on the Schweizer Vineyard in Stags Leap

District, Gustavo Gonzalez was pouring

another WOW wine he calls Stags Leap Dream.

It is a dreamy blend, displaying expected

silky Stags Leap Dream tannins, prompting

a velvety mouthfeel from this big red.

There’s lots of black fruit and spice. Stags

Leap Dream pioneer Nathan Fay would have

approved. A partnership with Jim “Bear”

Dyke Jr. that had its first release from the

2009 harvest, this is a brand to watch.”

Napa Valley Register, L. Pierce Carson,

after tasting at Premier Napa Valley 2014

“I had the Pinot…very very good . . . I liked it a

lot . . . I had some of the Syrah, it’s wonderful!”

ESPN, Tony Kornheiser

“Winemaker Gustavo Gonzalez left Robert

Mondavi to do his own thing, and what an

auspicious start . . . The wine is wonderful.”

Wine Enthusiast, Steve Heimoff, expert reviewer

“Just opened first bottle of Mira Winery

Cabernet. I believe Jim Dyke Jr. has

outdone himself.”

FOX News, Dana Perino

“Gustavo doesn’t rush his wines, they are

allowed to age to perfection before bottling

. . . that delivers that “WOW” factor to the

consumer . . . And how many wineries can

brag that their winemaker has produced a

100 point wine – Mira Winery can!”

Red Wine Diva, Jean Wilson

Revolutionizing the wine industry . . . with stunning implications for taste . . .

D A I LY M A I L U K , J A M E S N Y E


The ExpertsP R E S S

Rich, decadent and complex; a high benchmark for the great 2012 vintage.

C H A R L E S TO N G R I L L , R I C K R U B E L , S O M M E L I E R, D E S C R I B I N G M I R A’S 2012 S TA G S L E A P D I S T R I C T C A B E R N E T S A U V I G N O N

“Mira’s Hyde Chardonnay is “not a cookie

cutter Chardonnay and would certainly

stand out to me in a competition.”

Wayne Belding, Master Sommelier

“The entire staff & Hall family are extremely

excited (& honored) to be the first restaurant

in Charleston to carry the Mira brand. These

amazing wines are sure to serve as a perfect

compliment to both our big steaks and

fresh seafood.”

Halls Chophouse, Robbie, beverage director

“This full-bodied wine tastes wonderful –

this is some serious Syrah. There’s lots of

dark fruit, a nice spicy streak, continuing

smoked meat notes and great balance. It

ends with some nice graphite minerality

and more deep, dark fruit that hangs around

for quite a while.”

The Reverse Wine Snob, Jon Thorsen

“


The NVEC ExpierenceP R E S S

“Wind down at Mira Winery’s brand new

facility, the Napa Valley Education Center

& Tasting Room (NVEC), offering lecturers

on wine and tasting flights of Mira Winery

products from the Napa Valley—we’re

partial to the 2010 Syrah.”

Travel and Leisure, Tom Austin on the

Perfect Weekend in Charleston

“Stop in Mira Winery’s Napa Valley Education

Center just off King Street for a tasting and tour,

home to critically acclaimed single vineyard

wines from Napa.”

NBC Washington, Sery Kim on the must-see spots

in Charleston

Our tasting experience was like no other at Mira Winery’s Napa Valley Education Center

and Tasting Room.T H E D A I LY M E A L , K R I S T I N O L I V E R I

“


Ratings

TA S T I N G S .C O M

Chardonnay 2014, 91 pointsGold Medal Exceptional

“Bright clear light gold color. Attractive,

fruity, toasty, tropical aromas and flavors

of pineapple upside down cake, apple

pie, young coconut, and mango and

papaya relish with a satiny, bright, fruity

medium-to-full body and an interesting,

medium-long green apples, pickled melon,

and nougat finish with fine, fruit tannins

and a suggestion of oak. A rich, savory

chardonnay for all occasions.”

Syrah Hyde Vineyard 2012, 93 pointsGold Medal Exceptional

“Delicate, fruity, creamy aromas and flavors

of berry creme brulee, chocolate toffee, and

mocha with a satiny, bright, fruity medium-

to-full body and a tingling, appealing,

medium-length nutskins, marinated berries

and beets, and earth finish with earthy

tannins and light oak. A well balanced syrah

with ripe fruit and creamy oak.”

Syrah Hyde Vineyard 2011, 93 points Gold Medal Exceptional

“Bright medium indigo color. Delicate,

toasty, interesting aromas of roasted nuts,

charcoal grilled berries and banana bread,

and spiced nougat with a supple, crisp, dry-

yet-fruity medium-full body and a warming,

elegant, medium-long blackberry pie,

peppery spices, birch bark, and earth finish

with well-integrated tannins and moderate

oak. A robust, chewy syrah with deft use of

oak.”

Syrah Hyde Vineyard 2010, 93 pointsGold Medal Exceptional

“Bold, lively aromas and flavors of black

currants, tree bark, white pepper, and

mulberries with a chewy, lively, dry full body

and a warming finish with chewy tannins

and moderate oak. A rich juicy Syrah.”

Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District 2012, 93 pointsGold Medal Exceptional

“Deep purple color. Fruity aromas and

flavors of dried cassis, waxy honeycomb,

and coal with a satiny, vibrant, dry-yet-

fruity medium-to-full body and a smooth,

engaging, medium-long spiced berries and

nuts, chocolate, cedar, and earth finish with

chewy tannins and moderate oak. A rich,

chewy Napa cabernet that is sure to please.”

Pinot Noir Rose 2016, 90 pointsGold Medal Exceptional

“Light coral orange color. Aromas and

flavors of grilled green pepper, cherry

preserve, creme de cassis, and saddle with

an crisp, fruity light-to-medium body and a

stimulating, medium-long rose petal finish

with fine, fruit tannins. A nicely balanced

wine walking a pretty line between fruity

and savory.”

Pinot Noir Stanly Ranch 2013, 90 points Gold Medal Exceptional

“Ruby garnet color. Fruity, herbal aromas and

flavors of preserved cherries and marinated

beets, vanilla bean ice cream, cedar pencil,

and dried savory and tarragon with a round,

vibrant, fruity light-to-medium body and

a polished, breezy tarragon, clove and

blueberry spice, red fruit pie, and fruit

leather finish with well-integrated, coating

tannins and moderate oak. An easy drinking

and fruity Napa Pinot Noir that offers

plenty of sweet herb notes.”


Ratings

W I N E .C O M

Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District 2012, 94 points

“This is truly a standout wine.”

R O B E R T PA R K E R.C O M

Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard 2012, 92 points

“The 2012 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard’s . . .

characteristics are impressive. This medium

to full-bodied, layered, rich beauty should

drink well for several years.”

Chardonnay 2014, 91 points

“Made from the Robert Yong clone of

Chardonnay, Mira’s 2014 Chardonnay

has a light gold color and beautiful notes

of delicate white peach, honeysuckle and

fruit with some crushed rock minerality

in the background. Fresh, lively and

medium to full-bodied, but displaying

lots of complexity and class, this is a

somewhat understated but intense style

of wine that reflects terrific winemaking.

Moreover, it is a great value. Drink it over

the next 4-5 years.”

G AYO T.C O MSyrah Hyde Vineyard 2009, 15/20 points

“This full-bodied red wine boasts dark fruit

flavors and plenty of spice.” The 2009 Hyde

Vineyard Syrah wine ranked in the top 10

percent of all wines Gayot.com has tasted.”

Pinot Noir Stanly Ranch 2010, 14/20 points

Syrah Hyde Vineyard 2011, 15/20 points

Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2008, 14.5/20 points, Top 10 Value

Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2011, 14/20 points, Top 10 Rosé Wines

Pinot Noir Rosé 2013, 14/20 points

Pinot Noir Hyde Vineyard 2013, 15/20 points

Pinot Noir Hyde Vineyard 2010, 14/20 points

Cabernet Franc 2012, 14/20 points

Chardonnay 2010, 14.5/20 points

Sauvignon Blanc 2010, 14/20 points


Ratings

W I N E E N T H U S I A S T M A G A Z I N E

Pinot Noir Stanly Ranch 2010, 94 points

Editor’s Choice

Pinot Noir Stanly Ranch 2013, 92 points

Pinot Noir Hyde Vineyard 2013, 92 points

Syrah Hyde Vineyard 2010, 91 points

Syrah Hyde Vineyard 2009, 92 points

“Winemaker Gustavo Gonzalez left Robert

Mondavi to do his own thing, and what an

auspicious start . . . The wine is wonderful.”

Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, 90 points

Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District 2012, 90 points,Cellar Selection

Chardonnay Hyde 2013, 90 points

Rose of Pinot Noir 2016, 90 points

Cabernet Franc 2013, 94 points

D E C A N T E R

Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, 16.75/20 points

“Dense, ripe blackcurrant nose, with a hint

of herbaceousness. A ‘recommended’ wine.”

D E C A N T E R A S I A W I N E AWA R D S

Cabernet Franc 2012, 91 points, Silver

Syrah Hyde 2012, 90 points, Silver

T H E D R I N K S B U S I N E S S

Chardonnay 2014, Gold Medal,

Global Chardonnay Masters 2016

Chardonnay Hyde 2013, Silver Medal,

Global Chardonnay Masters 2016

Pinot Noir Hyde 2013, Gold Medal,

Global Pinot Noir Masters 2017

Pinot Noir Stanly Ranch 2013, Silver Medal,

Global Pinot Noir Masters 2017

J A M E S S U C K L I N G .C O M

Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, 92 points

“Rich and fruity with lots of blackberry and

currant character. Full body, chewy tannins

and a medium finish. Needs a little time to

soften. Better in 2018.”

Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District 2012, 91 points

“A rich and fruity wine with blueberry and

chocolate character. Full body, lots of fruit

and a flavorful finish. Typical Napa cab

showing plenty of fruit. Drink or hold.”

Chardonnay 2014, 89 points

“Cooked apple and pear character. Hints

of stone. Lots of yogurt. Full and flavorful.

Drink now.”


Visit Us

M I R A W I N E R Y N A PA VA L L E Y

433 S O S C O L AV E N U E , S U I T E A 100-3N A PA , C A L I F O R N I A

M I R A W I N E R Y C H A R L E S T O N TA S T I N G R O O M

68 1/2 Q U E E N S T R E E TC H A R L E S TO N, S O U T H C A R O L I N A

Mira Winery’s Napa Valley Education Center & Tasting Room, located in

Charleston, South Carolina, links the premier wine growing region of the Napa

Valley to the history and traditions of the South. The Napa Valley Education

Center & Tasting Room provides unique access to Mira Winery and the wine

industry through educational and tasting programs, interactive displays,

EduTastings, videos and a series of classes.

media kit - mira winery | luxury wines kit. 433 sosco ve, npa c 888.819.4668 our story mira winery...

Documents