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.
January Staff Picks
Domaine de L’Afantiere 2021 Macon-Uchizy, Burgundy, France (Aron)
Our old standby white Burgundy from the village of Uchizy by Raphael Sallette is currently out of stock in distribution, which led us to this wonderful creation, also produced by Raphael Sallette however under the different label of Domaine de L’Afantiere. This is 100% Chardonnay planted to clay and limestone soils that sees no oak, resulting in a fresh expression exhibiting Asian pear, lime, and mineral notes, excellent to pair with seafood or poultry during the cold winter months .
$16.99
Mills Club: $15.29
Case Price: $13.59
Portlandia 2021 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, Oregon (Pat)
Portlandia was founded by Damian Davis, who fell in love with Oregon after a cross country trek from Florida. He loved it so much that he decided to change careers from the tech industry to wine! From the Willamette Valley, this dry yet exuberant Pinot Gris shows aromas of Meyer lemon and pear and flavors of apricot and nectarine. Smooth with zippy acidity and rich minerality this crisp, refreshing white wine will pair well with pan seared rockfish with a lemon butter sauce or crab cakes with garlic aioli.
$17.99
Sale $14.39
Alberto Nanclares 2021 “Dandelion” Albariño, Riax Baixas, Spain (Andrew)
Dandelion is an old friend returned to the shelves of Mills, after a lengthy absence due to worldwide popularity. Developed by former Madrid economist Alberto Nanclares turned Riax Baixas “Garagista” winemaker, this vintage is as good as ever. Showing passionfruit, grapefruit and stone fruit notes with lovely minerality plus a pleasingly round texture and not-over-arching acidity make this a wonderful Albariño to pair with food; try with pan seared scallops or shrimp tacos with bright pineapple salsa.
$28.99
Mills Club: $26.09
Case Price: $23.19 ORGANIC
Izadi 2020 Larrosa Rioja Rosado, Spain (Andres)
Made from 100% Garnacha, this dry Rosè from the highest elevations in Rioja shows bright pomegranate and red cherry notes, striking a fine balance of fruit and acidity. Richer than your typical Provence Rosè, this “winter rosè” can stand up to some stronger flavors – go ahead and pair this with pepperoni pizza or spicy Mexican or Indian food.
$10.00
Mills Club: $9.00
Case Price: $8.00
Cantina Miglianico “Pietra Majello” 2021 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Italy (Tim)
Cantina Miglianico is a consortium of small Italian farmers in Abruzzo. This red is made from mostly Montepulciano and a small amount of Sangiovese, barrel aged for 9 months. Dry, soft and smooth with notes of cranberry and plum, the acidity makes this a good pairing for tomato based dishes – try with weeknight pizza or spaghetti and meatballs.
$10.00
Mills Club: $9.00
Case Price: $8.00
Domaine la Manarine 2020 Cotes du Rhone, France (Jen & Jerry)
Domaine la Manarine is a Rosenthal imported Rhone producer headed up by the talented Gilles Gasq since 2001. Located on a plateau in the southern Rhone commune of Travaillan, most of the vineyards are situated on the well-known “Plan de Dieu”, an area recognized for soil composed of hard limestone quartz “galets”, or large, smooth temperature moderating pebbles. Somewhat unusually, this Cotes du Rhone is made from 100% Grenache aged in stainless steel tanks for 24 months. Spicy and full-bodied, this red has the garrigue notes typical of the region, making it the perfect pairing with roast chicken with Mediterranean herbs or pork chops with pancetta stuffing.
$19.99
Mills Club: $17.99
Case Price: $15.99 ORGANIC
Boutari Kretikos 2020 Red, Crete, Greece (David)
Comprised of indigenous varietals 60% Kotsifali and 40% Mandilaria from the island of Crete, this wine shows blueberry and red fruit aromas and plum, cherry and spice on the palate. Good acidity and soft tannins make this a great pairing with hard cheeses and charcuterie, or a slow cooked pot roast or beef stew.
$15.99
Mills Club Price: $14.39
Case: $12.79
Matias Riccitelli “Hey” Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina (Andres)
Matias Riccitelli started this boutique winery in 2009, and at 1100 meters above sea level the vineyards are the highest in Lujan de Cuyo. This 100% Malbec is matured 70% in small concrete vats and 30% in used French oak barrels, resulting in a fresh, vibrant expression of Malbec exuding juicy black fruits with notes of violet and black pepper. Try with pan seared steak or oven baked ribs. Rated 91pts Wine Advocate.
$19.99
Mills Club $17.99
Case $15.99
Chateau Beaumont 2016 Haut-Mèdoc, France (Tim)
A Bordeaux comprised of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon from the excellent 2016 Bordeaux vintage, this is a medium-bodied red featuring dense black fruit, boysenberry, cedar, and lead pencil notes. Serve this Bordeaux with braised beef or lamb. Rated 90pts Wine Advocate.
$29.99
Mills Club: $26.99
Case Price: $23.99
Reed 2021 “Knife Edge” Shiraz, Great Western, Australia (Jen & Jerry)
This Shiraz grown in the cooler climate Grampians of Australia is more reminiscent of Northern Rhone Syrah, showing pepper, sage and olive notes alongside tart blue fruits. Winemaker Sierra Reed has worked around the World including Barolo, Central Otago and Beaujolais before settling in beautiful Western Victoria where she makes elegant, streamlined reds using minimal intervention winemaking principles. Aged in large format used French oak this is a fine pairing for lamb, duck breast, or braised beef.
$40.99
Mills Club: $36.89
Case Price: $32.79
Scattered Peaks 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, California (Andrew)
Scattered Peaks is a project started by Joel Aiken, longtime winemaker at BV (Beaulieu Vineyards). This bold Napa Cabernet Sauvignon boasts notes of black cherry, ripe plum and wild cherry, with subtler nuances of pepper, clove and vanilla. Firm tannins call for a match with well-marbled steak.
$34.99
Mills Club: $31.49
Case Price: $27.99
Far Eastern Shore Winery “Winter” Red, Maryland (Pat)
From the charming Eastern Shore town of Easton, this spiced Pomegranate Zinfandel is a sweet and spicy wine perfect as a base for a winter party sangria, served warmed as a mulled wine or chilled as an after dinner dessert. Contains 12% ABV and 8% residual sugar.
$15.99
Mills Club: $14.39
Case Price: $12.79