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.

 

 

 

 

  

August Staff Picks

Stein 2021 Rosè Secco, Germany (Aron)

Although not well-known in the United States, Dr. Ulrich Stein enjoys a fanatical following in Europe, his wines a regular feature on Copenhagen’s iconic Noma’s menu. Made from Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot planted to steep, slate hillsides in the Mosel region of Germany this Charmat method sparkling wine is light, decidedly dry and not overly fruity. Mineral notes and zippy acidity make this a versatile pairing with oysters, fried chicken, or as a sophisticated aperitif. This was a wine we preordered months ago…so quantities are limited!

$27.99

Mills Club: $25.19

Case Price: $22.39

 

Bodegas Santo Crista Vina Collado 2020 Macabeo, Campo de Borja, Spain (Pat)

Macabeo is a Spanish white wine grape (also known as Viura in Rioja) used in the production of Cava and still wines such as this example. “Collado” translates to “hill” or “mountain pass” in Spanish. Featuring lots of citrus and melon fruit notes and a clean, fresh finish, this summer white will pair well with seafood, salads or a simple cheese plate.

$10.00

Mills Club $9.00

Case $8.00                                                                             

 

Peacock 2020 Chardonnay, Australia (Andres)

This 100% Chardonnay from South Australia is a new addition to our $10 wine racks. Fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel, this is a clean and fresh expression of Chardonnay without the weight imposed by aging in oak. Try with crabcakes or grilled chicken with potato salad.

$10.00

Mills Club: $9.00

Case Price: $8.00                                                      

 

Matthew Fritz 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, California (Tim)

We’ve long enjoyed the Matthew Fritz Pinot Noir but only recently tried the Sauvignon Blanc and thought it would be a great addition to our California section! This white wine exudes bright lemon zest and grapefruit notes with spice and floral undertones.  Fresh acidity makes this an ideal pairing with grilled seafood and asparagus with a squeeze of lemon, chicken salad or fish tacos.

$14.99

Mills Club: $13.49

Case Price: $11.99                                                    

 

Wither Hills 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand (Andrew)

The grapes for this Sauvignon Blanc come from vineyards in the Wairau Valley subregion of Marlborough. The wine is named for the Wither Hills range that the beautiful, modern winery sits in the shadows of, where they use organic and sustainable farming practices. This vibrant white wine shows tropical and zesty citrus fruit notes, with balanced but refreshing acidity. Try with grilled fish or ceviche!

$17.99

Mills Club: $16.19

Case Price: $14.39                                        

 

Domaine Bellevue 2021 Touraine Rosè, Loire Valley, France (Jen & Jerry)

This perennial Rosè favorite of Mills has done it again – achieved the ultimate balance of fruit, acidity, dryness and structure that makes it the absolutely perfect Rosè. Made from Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cot (Malbec) planted to clay-limestone soils, this displays raspherry and cherry notes, crisp and refreshing with a long finish. Try with sushi, or spicy Thai or Mexican fare.

$14.99

Mills Club: $13.49

Case Price: $11.99

 

Oregon Territory 2018 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon (Aron)

Winemakers and friends Paul DeMara and Scott O’Brien Kelley met while working in Napa at Mondavi over 20 years ago. Later they created Paul O’Brien Winery, Umpqua Valley’s first urban winery in downtown Roseburg, Oregon. The vintage postage stamp label of Oregon Territory is a nod to the pioneering spirit of Oregon.  Showing full, ripe notes of raspberry and plum and savory undertones of Mediterranean herb, this would be the ideal pairing with grilled porkchops or salmon.

$23.99

Mills Club Price: $21.59

Case: $19.19

 

Chodin Param “Parra Libre” 2020 Cinsault, Itata and Bio Bio Valley, Chile (Jen & Jerry)

There’s much more to Chilean wine than inexpensive Carmeñere and Cabernet Sauvignon. Take for example this 100% Cinsault from an organically dry-farmed 100 year old vineyard in the area of Coelemu near the Pacific Ocean. The wine is fermented and aged in stainless steel using indigenous yeasts, bottled unfined and unfiltered (some sediment in the bottom of the bottle is normal!).  Showing bright red fruit notes and relatively low tannins, we thought this could be the perfect summer wine to pair with grilled chicken or pork tenderloin.

$34.99

Mills Club $31.49

Case $27.99                                                                                        ORGANIC

 

Fattoria Colsanto 2016 Ruris Rosso, Umbria, Italy (Tim)

We really enjoyed tasting this Umbrian red that offers great value for a fraction of the price of a Sagrantino. A blend of Sangiovese and Sagrantino grapes from the Montarone vineyards near the Umbrian town of Bevagna, this spends ten months in barriques before bottling. Showing lovely wild berry and spice notes and lots of tannic structure, this is a food wine perfect to pair with grilled beef or mushrooms.

$15.99

Mills Club: $14.39

Case Price: $12.79    

                                               

Bodega Garzon 2020 Tannat Reserva, Uruguay (Andres)

This 100% Tannat shows plum and raspberry notes with a spice tinged finish. Full body, good structure and tannins make this another nice wine to pair with grilled meats. Tannat originated in Southwest France in the Madiran region, but since has gained prominence in Uruguay where it is known as their national grape!

$19.99

Mills Club: $17.99

Case $15.99

 

BonAnno 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California (Andrew)

“Bon Anno” translates to “good year” in Italian, and founder Matthew Bonanno claims he’s had many! He sources the grapes from vineyards in Calistoga, Oak Knoll, and Yountville appellations of Napa. We tried this splurge-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon a couple weeks ago and were immediately charmed by the signature Napa aromas of cedar and tobacco and flavors of plum, blackberry, vanilla and spice notes accompanied by the smooth, supple texture.  Try with some grilled steaks or lamb to celebrate your next special occasion in style!

$34.99

Mills Club: $31.49

Case Price: $27.99                                                    

 

Almas das Calcadas 5 year old Rainwater Madeira, Spain (Pat)

Madeira is a fortified wine from the Island of Madeira.  Rainwater Madeira is a lighter, drier style of Madeira.  With moderate sweetness and wonderful nutty flavor notes, this is the perfect after dinner sipper or wine to pair with a cheese course. And because it’s fortified, you can pop the cork back in and store in the refrigerator and enjoy over the course of several weeks.

$26.99

Mills Club: $24.29

Case Price: $21.59