Check out our monthly “Staff Picks” wines, where we choose 12 of our current favorite wines, specially chosen to pair well with seasonal dishes and that present good value for the price. Save 10% on any purchases, or put together a mixed-or-matched case of 12 bottles for a 20% discount.

April Staff Picks

Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc Viognier Sparkling, California (Pat)

96% Chenin Blanc from Clarksburg and a small amount of Lodi Viognier go into this Charmat-method sparkling. Vivacious and fresh with aromas of vanilla and flavor notes of stone fruits, flowers and spice make this a delightful aperitif, or food pairing with appetizers or ham sandwiches.

$19.99

Mills Club $17.99

Case $15.99

 

Leon Boesch 2019 Edelzwicker “Les Collines”, Alsace, France (Andres)

Leon Boesch is an 11^th generation biodynamic winery located in the village of Westhalten in the heart of Alsace. A blend of Riesling, Pinot Blanc and Gewurztraminer figure into this blend, and 30% of the wine is blended with the lees of the cellar cuvees adding richness. “Edelzwicker” is a term that once referred to wines containing only noble varieties, although the term was deregulated in the 70’s. Candied lemon notes and bright racy acidity make this an excellent match for creamy soups, roast chicken or a baked ham!

$21.99 (1 Liter bottle)

Mills Club: $19.79

Case Price: $17.59                                                     BIODYNAMIC

 

Domaine de Mènard La Marina “Cuvèe Ocèane”, Cotes de Gascogne, France (Tim)

This fresh and simple white wine is made from Sauvignon Blanc, Colombard and Gros Manseng in Southwest France.  The vines are planted to shallow, stony soils on a marine geological site, where fossils are frequently found. Bursting with tropical fruit, quince, and grapefruit notes with palate cleansing acidity, this is an ideal wine to serve with seafood with citrus sauces or with a cheese platter.

$11.99

Mills Club: $10.79

Case Price: $9.59                                                      

 

Spyros Hatziyiannis 2019 Assyrtiko, Santorini, Greece (Andrew)

Assyrtiko is the grape in this Santorini-grown wine influenced by Mediterranean breezes and volcanic soil.  Amazing stone fruit, citrus, salinity, beeswax, flint and crushed rock notes with crisp acidity make this an ideal match for shellfish and other seafood dishes.

$29.99

Mills Club: $26.99

Case Price: $23.99

 

 

Lone Birch Rosè, Yakima Valley, Washington  (Jen & Jerry)

One of the first 2021 Rosès to arrive at Mills, this light pink version from Washington State shows delightful strawberry and raspberry fruit notes, a pleasing round texture and a nice long, dry finish.  Lone Birch is named for the 70 year old birch tree in the middle of their property, planted by the grandfather of the current generation at the helm of the estate. Enjoy with pizza or grilled chicken or fish.

$14.99

Mills Club Price: $13.49

Case: $11.99

 

Cotes d’Olt 2018 Cahors Cuvèe Tradition, France (Aron)

Cahors, an ancient village in Southwest France, is known for the Pont Valentrè, a medieval fortified bridge as well as their delicious “black wine”, a dark-hued wine comprised of at least 70% Malbec typically augmented with Merlot or Tannat.  This version, made from 80% Malbec and 20% Merlot, is medium-bodied, showing red and black fruit notes and velvety texture. Interestingly, the Malbec in Argentina is a descendant of the French Malbec, previously known as “cot”.

$10.99

Mills Club $9.89

Case $8.79

 

Pike Road 2020 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon (Tim)

Several months ago we brought in the Pike Road Pinot Gris, but were recently also pleased with the value presented by their Willamette Valley Pinot Noir! This 100% Pinot Noir is hand harvested and barrel aged in French oak for 8-10 months. Showing brooding raspberry and rhubarb fruit notes with touches of cinnamon and clove spice and earthy herb tones. The silky finish makes it a pleasure to drink on its own, or with hearty fish or vegetarian dishes.

$21.99

Mills Club: $19.79

Case Price: $17.59    

 

L’ecole No.41 2018 Merlot, Columbia Valley, Washington (Jen & Jerry)

We were duly impressed with this layered, complex Merlot (80% Merlot, with 14% Cabernet Franc, 4% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot) aged 18 months in 30% new oak from Columbia Valley. The tasting room of the winery is located in the former Lowden School built in 1915, thus the name “L’ecole No.41”, French for “school district 41”, a nod to the earlier wine settlers in the valley. Exhibiting layers of raspberry, plum and black cherry with undertones of pencil, and cedar, this finishes long with good finesse and structure.  Pair with lamb or beef.  Rated 90pts Wine Enthusiast and “Editors’ Choice”.

$24.99

Mills Club: $22.49

Case Price: $19.99

                                               

Trione 2017 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, California (Andres)

This beautiful California Pinot Noir would complement a special celebratory meal.  Aged 15 months in 60% French and 40% American oak (40% new), this red is an example of a full-bodied Pinot Noir, with savory and rich notes of spice, floral, and earth wrapped in a silky-smooth textured package. Enjoy this style of Pinot Noir with beef tenderloin, coq au vin, or duck.

$39.99

Mills Club: $35.99

Case $31.99

 

FX Barc Complices de Loire 2019 “Les Castines” Bourgueil, France (Andrew)

Francois-Xavier Barc served as winemaker and manager for famed Loire producer Charles Joguet before breaking off to start his own venture in Bourgueil.  This elegant red is made from 100% Cabernet Franc grown in clay and limestone “les castines” soil. Flavors of black cherry, tobacco, cedar and spice with supple tannins lend an ideal pairing with beef, venison or lamb.

$24.99

Mills Club: $22.49

Case Price: $19.99

 

4 Gatos Locos 2019 Malbec Miau, Valle de Uco, Argentina (Aron)

4 Gatos Locos is named, predictably, after four crazy “cats” responsible for this Alto Gualtallary vineyard; Mariana, Facundo, Gabriel and Juan. They are better known as the founding winemakers and business partners at Chakana. “Miau Miau” refers to the happy sounds they make. 100% Malbec, this wine has bright notes of cherries, violets and spice with round juicy tannins making it a great pairing for grilled beef.

$14.99

Mills Club: $13.49

Case Price: $11.99

 

 

Freelander 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, California (Pat)

This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon ages in American oak, displaying generous notes of blackberry, cassis and toast and a full-bodied, lush mouthfeel.  Most of the grapes come from small plots in California’s Central Valley.  Larry Levin is the brainchild behind the label, after 17 years making wine for Dry Creek Vineyards followed by a management role with Icon Estates, where he oversaw winemaking for the likes of Franciscan, Robert Mondavi, Quintessa and Ruffino brands. As the weather warms, we’ll look forward to enjoying this classically styled California Cabernet Sauvignon with grilled steaks or burgers.

$17.99

Mills Club: $16.19

Case Price: $14.39