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

Raventos I Blanc 2021 Blanc de Blancs Cava, Spain (Aron)

The grapes for this dry sparkling wine come from a vineyard over 40 years old called the “Vinha del Llac”, consisting of clay soils and calcareous bedrock with incrusted pebbles, which gives the wine wonderful structure. In addition to the typical Xarello, Parellada and Macabeu indigenous grapes that make up most Spanish Cava, Raventos incorporated Malvasia de Sitges, a nearly extinct varietal located on the property that now makes up 1.5 hectares of their plantings. This rare grape is naturally high in acidity but also adds volume and aromatic complexity. This Cava is a more affordable example of Raventos sparkling, as we previously carried their beautiful yet pricey “de la Finca”.  Pair with a high-quality Manchego cheese or other sheep’s milk cheese, or with sushi!

$28.99

Mills Club $26.09

Case Price $23.19                                                      BIODYNAMIC

 

Chateau de la Greffiere 2021 Macon la Roche Vineuse Sous le Bois, Burgundy, France (Jen & Jerry)

Macon la Roche Vineuse is an appellation within the Maconnais region of Burgundy, with soils ranging from fossilly limestone to marl.  “Sous le bois” translates to “under the woods”, referring to where the vineyard that produces the grapes for this wine lies. This white Burgundy presents great value, a 100% Chardonnay unencumbered by clunky oak, displaying notes of apple, peach, pink grapefruit and a hint of brioche. Try with cream of crab soup, or a hearty roast chicken rubbed with Mediterranean herbs.

$22.99

Mills Club: $20.69

Case Price: $18.39                                                    

 

Lodali Moscato d’Asti, Italy (Avery)

In Piedmont, winemakers have cultivated the Moscato Bianco grape in the hilltop town of Asti since the 14^th Century.  Low in alcohol, this was the perfect wine for Medieval field workers to consume during lunch without slowing down productivity! Moscato d’Asti wines are all frizzante, or lightly sparkling. Moscato produced outside of Asti can be still or frizzante. Juicy stone fruit and fresh citrus flavors accentuate this lightly sweet wine, perfect for pairing well-chilled with lemon cheesecake, or with very spicy fare such as curry or hot wings.

$14.99

Mills Club $13.49

Case Price $11.99                                                                                                                                                                 

Domaine Pichot “le Peu de la Moriette” 2022 Vouvray, France (Tim)

This is not a new wine but an old favorite returned. Jean-Claude Pichot’s family has been making wine dating back to 1739 in the charming village of Vouvray. This example of their work is an off-dry Chenin Blanc exuding an alluring mix of fresh passion fruit, ripe pear and green apple notes, minerality and a super long finish. Try with roast pork loin with apples, a spicy Thai dish such as Pad Prik King, or a variety of soft washed-rind cheeses like Epoisses de Bourgogne, Limberger, or Gruyere.

$19.99

Mills Club: $17.99

Case Price: $15.99                                                                            

 

Jean-Luc Colombo 2022 Cape Bleue Rosè, France (Pat)

Jean-Luc Colombo devoted much of his life to his passion for the Syrah grape, starting with the purchase of a vineyard overlooking Cornas in Northern Rhone. Over time he established the “Centre Oenologique des Cotes du Rhone”, a center for the study of Rhone wines. His work was awarded the French Legion of Honor award.  In the early 2000s, he decided to return to his roots, investing in some parcels near Provence along the “Blue Coast”. This is where he grows the Syrah and Mourvedre that make up this dry Rosè. Showing notes of strawberry, bing cherry and raspberry, this palest of pink yet full-bodied wine can be served as aperitif or with baked fish, creamy soups, or creamy pasta with sun-dried tomatoes. Super value!

$10.00

Mills Club: $9.00

Case Price: $8.00                                                                  

                                   

Carl Ehrhard 2021 Spatburgunder, Germany (Aron)

Weingut Carl Ehrhard was founded in 1815, located on German’s Rhein River in the town of Rudesheim.  All the grapes are grown organically and biodynamically, and fermentation takes place slowly, from indigenous yeasts. Only large neutral oak casks are used, and there is no fining or filtration and no sulfur added. There might be some sediment settled in the bottom of the bottle-this is normal! Carl and his wife Petra and their three daughters farm 22 acres of Riesling and Pinot Noir. This carefully made elegant Pinot Noir shows rose petal aromas and bright fruit with spice and minerality on the palate. This is an excellent pairing with wild mushrooms, salmon, or beef tenderloin.

$29.99

Mills Club: $26.99

Case Price: $23.99                             BIODYNAMIC and ORGANIC                      

                                                                                                                       

Villa Rosa 2016 Barolo DOCG, Italy (Avery)

With many Barolo prices sneaking up to the $75+ range, we found this version to represent particularly good value. This wine was created by Opici, a producer/importer with an affinity for Italian wines. Villa Rosa is an homage to founder Hubert Opici’s late wife Rose. Made from 100% Nebbiolo, this spends two years in French and Slavonian oak barrels, followed by one year aging in bottle. The nose shows rose and violet aromatics while dark fruits lavish the palate with hints of spice and leather. Round yet structured tannins call for a plate of long roasted beef or Osso Bucco.

$33.99

Mills Club $30.59

Case $27.19                                                               

 

Chateau Paret 2020 Grand vin de Bordeaux, France (Pat)

We selected this Bordeaux from a panel tasting recently, and this stood out as a great value, displaying those classic Bordeaux cassis and blackberry fruit notes, medium-bodied with smooth tannins. Made from a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this red will be perfect with with lambchops or pan seared steak on a cold winter night!

$16.99

Mills Club $15.29

Case $13.59                                       

                                               

Paul Dolan 2019 Mendocino County Zinfandel, California (Andres)

Bright red berry, bing cherry and hints of tobacco and pepper make this a wonderfully rich winter wine hailing from Mendocino County overlooking the Russian River Valley. Enjoy with Korean short ribs, smoked brisket, or sweet and tangy meatballs served over rice.

$14.99

Mills Club: $13.49

Case Price: $11.99                                                     ORGANIC and VEGAN

 

Hillinger 2019 Blaufrankisch, Austria (Jen & Jerry)

In rather stark contrast to many of his fellow Austrian winemakers with charming historic cottage estates, Leo Hillinger has created an ultra-modern facility complete with sleek design, a helicopter landing pad, and incorporating the latest developments in energy efficiency.  Blaufrankisch is a crazy sounding varietal dating back to the 18^th century in Austria, likely made from crossing the even more crazy-sounding varietals Sbulzina and Weiber Heunisch. The grape is also known as “Lemberger” in Germany, or “Kekfrankos” in Hungary.   This example by Hillinger is intense with earthy spice notes, blueberry and blackberry flavors accented by hints of clove and pepper. Rich fruit, robust tannins and spice make this a great pairing with beef stew, cottage pie, or spicy beef ramen.

$15.99

Mills Club: $14.39

Case Price: $12.79                                                                                                                            

Keermont 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch, South Africa (Tim)

Named for the farm called “Keerweder” that once occupied the land, the name actually translates to ”blocked again”, referring to the early settlers’ trouble passing through the valleys. With vineyards located around Guardian Peak, the Cabernet Sauvignon wines made here have been compared stylistically to Napa’s Howell Mountain. This particular vintage comprised of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with a 10% addition of Cabernet Franc aged 15 months in oak boasts scents of blackberry, mint and fennel, with cherry and blackcurrant fruit on the palate and a hint of wood and pepper on the finish. Pair as in Stellenbosch with roasted game or serve with a traditional winter meal of braised short ribs.

$39.99

Mills Club: $35.99

Case Price: $31.99                                                     ORGANIC                                          

 

Broadbent 10-year Tawny Port, Portugal (Andres)

A blend of Tawny ports ranging in age from 8 to 15 years old in this dessert wine from Bartholomew Broadbent, who started making Port in 1994. Featuring crunchy red fruit notes and bright acidity, this is a satisfying after-meal sipper or by-the-fire drink. Kept tightly corked in a cool, dark place such as your refrigerator, this fortified wine can be kept for several months after opening.

$27.99 (500ml bottle)

Mills Club: $25.19

Case Price: $22.39