August Staff Picks Wine Tasting

When:
August 5, 2017 @ 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
2017-08-05T14:00:00-04:00
2017-08-05T18:00:00-04:00
Where:
Mills Fine Wine & Spirits
87 Main St
Annapolis, MD 21401
USA

Join us for our popular monthly “Staff Picks” Wine tastings, where we showcase our 12 top picks each month, sampling 6 on the first Saturday of the month and the other 6 on the first Sunday. The picks are carefully selected to represent great value for the price, and to pair with seasonally available food. This is a complimentary tasting, no reservations required!

August Staff Picks

Tasting Saturday 2pm-6pm

Fire Road 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand (Andres)

A swift and destructive fire threatened the wine town of Blenheim in Marlborough on December 26, 2000. 15,000 acres were destroyed, but not the spirit of the resilient residents who fought with buckets and carts in the area that will now always be known as Fire Road. Tropical fruit aromas of melon and fresh guava abound in this refreshingly light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc. Zingy with flavors of passionfruit and grapefruit, this would pair well with seafood or chicken dishes, as well as salads dressed in vinaigrette dressing.

Regularly: $15.99

Mills Club: $14.39

Case Price: $12.799

 

Pascal Bonhomme 2015 Vire Clesse, Burgundy, France (Tim)

Try this recently arrived Chardonnay from a tiny estate (2.5 hectares in total)in South Burgundy, where a majority of their small production is literally sold immediately outside their cellar door! Average vine age is 35 years old, all grapes are hand harvested and the wine is completely fermented and aged in stainless steel. An incredible value, this fresh, clean minerally effort displays a lovely, delicate leesy component.

Regularly: $22.99

Mills Club: $20.69

Case: $18.39

 

Shooting Star “Scarlet” Lake County Red, California (Aron)

Try this delicious non-vintage kitchen sink blend (Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Pinot Noir all figure into the mix) from Jed Steele (formerly winemaker at Edmeades and Kendall Jackson). Aging takes place in American oak, Hungarian and French barrels from anywhere from 8-18 months. The wine features lively cherry, dark berry, and cocoa notes. The name Scarlet is a nod to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel The Scarlet Letter, in a reference to the wines sinful delciousness.

Regular Price: $13.99

Mills Club: $12.59

Case Price: $11.19

 

Corvidae 2014 “The Rook” Merlot, Columbia Valley, Washington (Pat D.)

Corvidae is the Latin name for the family of birds that includes the Crow, Raven, Jay and Magpie that inhabit the vineyards of Eastern Washington. This wine is a wonderful example of cooler climate, higher elevation Merlot grown in Columbia Valley, the grapes harvested from two vineyards in Yakima Valley. Aging in neutral French oak keeps the fruit bright; red and black fruits, sarsparilla, cinnamon and tobacco notes feature into a velvety rich finish with finely grained tannins. Pair with grilled burgers or steaks.

Regular Price: $17.99

Mills Club: $16.19

Case Price: $14.39

 

Karl Kaspar Riesling Kabinett, Mosel, Germany (Geoff)

This wine is a blend of 45% Spatlese from the middle Mosel and 55% Kabinett from the lower Mosel, the Spatlese grapes adding a richness not typical of a traditional Kabinett. The result is an off-dry Riesling with intense mineral and floral aromas, the finish a balance of sweetness and crisp acidity. Great sushi pairing!

Regularly: $13.99

Mills Club: $12.59

Case Price: $11.19

 

Warre’s White Port, Douro, Portugal (Geoff)

A blend of Arinto, Codega, Malvasia Fina, Rabigato and Viosinho. grapes are aged in oak casks for an average of 3 years before bottling. This is a great aummer aperitif or served with tonic water and a slice of lemon as the Portuguese do! Rated 91pts Wine Spectator, “This is luscious and creamy, with concentrated flavors of baked apple, vanilla, pear and almond tart that features loads of spicy notes. Honey and crème brulee accents linger on the long finish.”

Regularly: $16.99

Mills Club : $15.29

Case Price: $13.59

 

Sunday 1-4pm

Bagrationi Rouge NonVintage, Republic of Georgia (Pat Darr)

Rich aromas of raspberries and strawberries waft from this full-bodied, juicy and refreshing sparkling wine with abundant bubbles. Made from indigenous Georgian varietals Saperavi, Chinebuli, Mtsvane and Tsitska it is produced using the Charmat method. This wine is semi-sweet, and can be paired with fruit pies or tarts or ice cream but would also pair well with chicken or ribs with a smoky-sweet barbecue sauce!

Regularly: $16.99

Mills Club: $15.29

Case Price: $13.59

 

Dodon 2015 Chardonnay, Anne Arundel County, Maryland (Jess)

Yes Maryland is making quality, highly enjoyable wines, and this Chardonnay demonstrates the level of wine this area is capable of producing! Dodon is located 14 miles from here, in the rural community of Davidsonville. Oak fermented and aged, this offers fresh, creamy texture and cascading layers of complex apple, peach, wheat and citrus flavors, which are followed by a long, mineral finish. Enjoy with foie gras, crab or veal chops!

Regularly: $29.99

Mills Club: $26.99

Case Price: $23.99

 

Chevreau “Les Terres Blanche” Sancerre, Loire Valley, France (Jen & Jerry)

Nicolas Chevreau created this Sauvignon Blanc from two parcels (Epsailles and Cote de Reigny), both located on very steep slopes with soil comprised of marneux lime/clay. Elegantly ripe, fresh flavors are balanced with salinity, acidity, and a long finish. This wine would benefit from a pairing with grilled garlic toast spread with fresh chevre, a plate of salty oysters, or fresh fish prepared with a lemon-based sauce.

Regular Price: $26.99

Mills Club $24.29

Case Price $21.59

 

Domaine de Fontsainte 2016 Gris de Gris Rose, Corbieres, France (Jess)

A dry Rose made from 50% Grenache Gris, 20% Grenache Noir, 20% Carignan and 5% each Cinsault and Mourvedre, all hand harvested and made in the saignee method. This wine is delicate and lively, with light strawberry fruit notes and a hint of Southern France garrigue. The first vineyards at Fontsainte were planted by the Romans, and some of the ancient artifacts found in the vineyard include a coin dating to the time of March Agrippa in 25 AD. Imported by Kermit Lynch, we find this wine to be a tremendous value.

Regular Price: $15.99

Mills Club: $14.39

Case Price: $12.79

 

 

Aupa 2016 Pipeno, Chile (Jen and Jerry)

This dry, light bodied red is made from primarily Pais, a sacramental grape traced back to the Canary Islands and the first grape to be planted in the Americas. Light red in color and bright with crushed raspberry fruit, wild strawberry and rose petals with hints of dried herbs, mint, fennel and thyme, this wine has fresh acidity and low tannins. The perfect August red wine, throw this in the chill box for 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy chilled with a selection of cheeses, or with lighter dishes such as chicken or pork.

Regular Price: $14.99

Mills Club: $13.49

Case Price: $11.99

 

 

Left Coast Cellars 2014 Cali’s Cuvee Pinot Noir, Oregon (Tim)

It can be difficult to find delicious Oregon Pinot Noir at a reasonable price, but this bottle fits the bill. Named for the family’s left-handed daughter Cali, this wine features notes of plum, blackberries and mossy forest floor. Rated 91pts Wine Enthusiast and “Editor’s Choice”, “A splendid example of affordable Oregon Pinot, this benefits from a great vintage for forward, fruit-driven wines. It has additional assets: balance, texture and length, all compact in a young wine still in its infancy.” Try this with grilled chicken or salmon.

Regular Price: $21.99

Mills Club: $19.79

Case Price: $17.59

 


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