April Staff Picks Wines

When:
March 31, 2023 – May 5, 2023 all-day
2023-03-31T00:00:00-04:00
2023-05-06T00:00:00-04:00
Where:
Mills Fine Wine & Spirits
87 Main Street
Annapolis
MD 21401

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

Bodegas Naverran Brut Cava, Spain (Aron)

This dry Cava is classified a “Brut Nature”, meaning no sugar is added during the fermentation process, landing it in the driest category of Sparkling wines.  From the Penedes region of Spain this shows bright Meyer lemon, green apple and mineral notes and richness on the palate from 12 months aging on the lees.  Use this as a celebratory toast, a refreshing aperitif, or to pair well with appetizers ranging from cheeses to calamari.

$10.00

Mills Club: $9.00

Case Price: $8.00                                                       ORGANIC                  

 

Julien Schaal 2020 Riesling “Rosacker Calcaire” Grand Cru, Alsace, France (Pat)

This dry, terroir driven Riesling is from a limestone dominated site just north of Hunawihr, a small village between Ribeauville and Riquewihr in the picturesque Alsace region of France. The Rosacker Vineyard dates back to 1483 and is one of Alsace’s most esteemed Grand Cru vineyards, named Rosacker for the abundant wild roses growing around the edges of the property. With just a hint of petrol aromas this elegant, beautifully textured wine has an underlying powerful mineral core.  This wine will pair well with a variety of cheeses, a creamy goat cheese or medium-bodied Gruyere or cheddar, or could also be a great pairing with a deliciously salty ham and scalloped potatoes.

$39.99

Mills Club $35.99

Case Price $31.99                                                      BIODYNAMIC                                                                                                           

Dawn Chorus 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand (David)

From the Hawke’s Bay appellation on the East Coast of Aoteroa of New Zealand, this Sauvignon Blanc shows bold notes of grapefruit, mineral and passionfruit; an exuberant wine with plenty of bright acidity, designed to pair wonderfully with grilled or sauteed fish or raw oysters. This is also a good wine to use with meals containing the difficult-to-pair  accompaniments asparagus and cilantro! “Dawn Chorus” is a nod to the harmonious birdsong at daybreak.

$19.99

Mills Club: $17.99

Case Price: $15.99                                                     ORGANIC                              

 

Cave de Lugny 2020 “Les Charmes” Macon-Villages, Burgundy, France (Tim)

Some of you may recognize this white Burgundy that was once part of our regular collection and is now back again. “Les Charmes” is a Maconnais vineyard site, also known for limestone-rich soils. Medium-bodied with a creamy texture and flavors of nuts, citrus and honey, it culminates with a touch of spice. Unoaked, this would pair nicely with a roast chicken, crab cakes, or a special Eggs Benedict brunch.

$19.99

Mills Club: $17.99

Case Price: $15.99                                                    

                                   

Domaine Corne Loupe 2022 Rosè, Tavel, France (Jen & Jerry)

Tavel is the only village dedicated exclusively to the production of Rosè…it’s no wonder they’ve mastered the concept!  Domaine Corne Loupe’s version provides exceptional value. Sadly, every year it sells out midsummer. Comprised of 60% Grenache, 15% Cinsault, 10% Syrah and the balance Mourvedre, Clairette and Carignan planted to white stone and “galets roules” pebbled soils, it gets its dark pink hue from contact with the grape skins during the fermentation process.  Medium-bodied, this rosè is very dry with notes of cassis, persimmon, strawberry and blackcurrant, presenting an almost savory characteristic that lends very well to food pairing.

$19.99

Mills Club: $17.99

Case Price: $15.99                                                                            

 

Lemelson 2021 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon (Andres)

Eric Lemelson first planted vines in Willamette Valley in 1995, and they’re still making great Willamette Valley Pinot Noir! They typically create a “Thea’s Selection” Pinot Noir, but yields were not high enough this vintage so all of their fruit went to the production of their straight Willamette Valley Pinot Noir-the quality therefore is elevated. From Dundee Hills and Yamhill Carlton AVAs, the wine is aged 8 months in 11% new French oak, providing an intense yet elegant expression of Pinot Noir; this would nicely accompany a smoked ham, or grilled salmon or beef tenderloin.

$36.99

Mills Club: $33.29

Case Price: $29.59                                                     ORGANIC                                                                  

 

Folk Machine 2021 “Parts & Labor”, Santa Rosa, California (David)

Folk Machine is a funky and fun family-owned winery located in Santa Rosa, California.  This mostly Grenache with smaller amounts Carignan and Syrah is aged in a combination of French oak and stainless steel. With crunchy berry notes and good acidity, this medium-bodied red is perfect to pair with roasted or grilled chicken with fresh Mediterranean herbs or grilled pork chops!

$21.99

Mills Club Price: $19.79

Case: $17.59

 

Chateau Haut-Grelot 2019 Blaye Cotes de Bordeaux, France (Andres)

Even though Chateau Haut-Grelot was established in 1920, the team currently at the helm are the young, energetic Cèline and Julien Bonneau who were recently awarded “Best Young Talent” in Bordeaux.  This blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon comes specifically from Blaye-Cotes de Bordeaux, a district just across the Gironde River from the Mèdoc. Medium-bodied with rich plum fruit notes balanced by very subtle savory earth tones, this red has moderate oak treatment, making this an ideal pairing for beef or lamb!

$14.99

Mills Club $13.49

Case $11.99                                                               

 

Tinto Negro 2020 Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina (Tim)

Tinto Negro was started by the former Wine Director and one of his colleagues at the well-reputed Catena Zapata. Upon tasting we decided their entry level Malbec offered exceptional value for the price and snapped up some cases for our $10 wine racks.  Unoaked, this is medium-bodied, displaying pretty, fresh plum and blackberry fruit notes. Enjoy with beef tacos, burgers, or chili- a perfect weeknight wine!

$10.00

Mills Club: $9.00

Case Price: $8.00                                                      

                                               

Fattoria Le Terrazze 2019 Conero Rosso, Italy (Jen & Jerry)

In the Marche region of Central Italy, Fattoria Le Terrazze is situated on slopes overlooking the Adriatic Sea, on the hilly and rocky Monte Conero.  This serious 100% Montepulciano is oak aged in large casks for 12-15 months, exhibiting fresh, ripe red fruits with soft tannins and a lingering finish, this would be wonderful with braised beef with pasta.

$22.99

Mills Club: $20.69

Case Price: $18.39

 

William Clark 2019 Syrah, Columbia Valley, Washington (Aron)

This Syrah comes from the Southeast, slightly cooler corner of Horse Heaven Hills appellation of Washington State’s Columbia Valley. Showing blackberry, cherry and violet notes with just a hint of pepper, we really enjoyed the silky smooth texture!  “William Clark” pays homage to The Lewis & Clark Expedition (1804-1806) which crossed into Washington State and traveled down the rapid-laden Columbia River! Enjoy with pepper crusted steak or spicy tacos!

$14.99

Mills Club: $13.49

Case Price: $11.99                                                                            

 

Lexicon 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California (Pat)

One would be hard-pressed to find a Napa appellation Cabernet Sauvignon at a better price point. Lexicon is importer Fran Kysela’s private label brand, and this particular version is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon that spends 4 months in a combination of new and used French oak. Featuring black currant, cassis and black cherry notes, this is an intense and complex wine with supple tannins that will elevate roasted lamb or grilled steaks.

$22.99

Mills Club: $20.69

Case Price: $18.39

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  


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