Cabernet is a reliable grape, and Mirassou has been one of the most reliable names in California winemaking for 150 years. Cabernet will grow just about anywhere, but Mirassou winemakers know where it grows best. They have the “reach” to get the best grapes. They make a mid-weight and, yes, reliable wine. Accessible, with moderate complexity.

Aromas of dark fruit, black cherry, black pepper spice. Licorice and vanilla flavors from spending nearly a year on oak.

Monterey County is California’s best kept secret for cool climate wines. You don’t hear much about this AVA yet, but you will. It has the mountains, the ocean breezes and the sun-swept benchland vineyards to produce great wines. Mirassou pulls grapes from several Monterey microclimates to get a full range of flavor and texture.

Crisp green apple, lifted peach and apricot aromas. Rounded out with tropical fruit and vanilla flavors. Creamy, medium body.

Merlot is a wonderful grape, making America’s favorite red wines. This one is lush, fruit-forward. Mirassou blends in a little Syrah and a little Cabernet Sauvignon to punch up the dark fruit flavors and give it additional structure. Makes a Merlot with unusual breadth and length.

Almost purple color, with cherry and blackberry coming right at you. Fills the mid-palate with spices, clove and nutmeg. Long, smooth finish.

With 150 years of family winemaking behind him, David Mirassou, says his winemakers “gently guide” the wines to keep natural, fresh flavors in the bottle. Here is a good example. By blending grapes from the Central Coast and the Russian River Valley, the winemakers got both ripeness and nice acidity in this Pinot Grigio. A little Sauvignon Blanc picks up the citrus notes.

Very refreshing. Lively lemon, lime and peach flavors. A bit of California sunshine in the bottle.

Mirassou has access to the best vineyards in all of California’s prestigious growing regions, and wines like this Pinot benefit from having a broad palette of flavors for building blends. Fruit is king, and balance is its Magna Carta. Flavor, character, texture.

A crimson red color, with a smoky presentation of red berries, cherry, plum and red currant flavors. Weaving through are floral notes, spice and a gentle earthiness.

If the Riesling bandwagon hasn’t caught you yet, here’s the place to jump on board. California winemakers, especially Mirassou, are re-interpreting this classic and gaining traction on wine menus and shop shelves. Two best reasons? Flavor, and more flavor. Mirassou blends in a little Gewurtztraminer (spice) and Viognier (floral notes) in their version.

Crisp and refreshing with a touch of minerality. Flavors of peaches, apricots, red apples.

Sauvignon Blanc is an easy-to-enjoy, amusing, goes-with-anything kind of wine. Here is a great example. Sip it out on the deck or with spicy take-out. Why not try it while you’re standing by the grill, waiting for the barbecue to reach that sweet spot? A three-week fermentation in stainless steel gives this Mirassou Sauvignon Blanc a little extra oomph on the palate.

Tropical fruit and melon balanced with grape and pear flavors. Ever so slightly grassy, in typical Sauvignon Blanc fashion.