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.

 

 

September Staff Picks

Dakishvili Family Kisi 2020 Pet Nat, Republic of Georgia (Andres)

Dakishvili Family Vineyards is in the village of Shalauri in the eastern part of the Republic of Georgia in the wine region known as Kakheti. Made from the Kisi grape, this is a Sparkling PetNat; Petillant Naturel. Pet Nat is made by taking still-fermenting wine, bottling and capping it and allowing the fermentation to complete in the bottle. Delicious and elegant, this should be served well chilled with appetizers.

$32.99

Mills Club $29.69

Case $26.39

 

Josè Maria da Fonseca “Waterdog” 2020 White, Portugal(Andrew)

This fruit-forward white is made from indigenous Portuguese grapes Arinto and Fernào Pires grown along the Southern coast of Portugal, home of the original Portuguese waterdogs. Portuguese waterdogs are related to the poodle; excellent swimmers, they were bred to help the local fishermen. As early as 1297, there was mention of a “cao de agua” rescuing a drowning sailor. The wine is round and easy to drink, featuring bold and delicious fruit notes of mango, pineapple, and citrus, yet the finish is dry. If you love Pinot Grigio, this could be an ideal alternative!

$10.00

Mills Club: $9.00

Case Price: $8.00

 

Tohu 2019 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand (Jen & Jerry)

Without supply shortages of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc we might not have discovered this delightful wine from Awatere Valley in Marlborough, owned by local Maori. Each Tohu bottle shows a logo derived from a koru pattern, a spiral symbolizing growth, life and the natural world in their culture. The wines are “Nga hua a te whenua”, or “our gift from the land.” This bright, vibrant Sauvignon Blanc is indeed a gift, featuring notes of pineapple, pink grapefruit and citrus zest, with herbal notes and acidity making a lovely pairing with seafood with citrus sauces, shrimp, or mussels.

$15.99

Mills Club: $14.39

Case Price: $12.79                                                    

 

Reata 2019 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, California (Aron)

From Jamieson Ranch Vineyards, this wine is named “Reata”, the Spanish word for lariat or lasso, referring to a complex web of fine interwoven threads. Rich notes of apple, honeydew melon and citrus are grounded by flint and mineral tones, while a creamy texture and toasty oak flavors complete the package. Enjoy this classically styled California Chardonnay with grilled chicken, or pasta carbonara.

$19.99

Mills Club $17.99

Case $15.99

 

Chateau d’Etroyes 2018 Mercurey 1er Crus Les Clos l’Eveque Blanc, France (Pat)

100% Chardonnay from the clay and limestone rich soils of Mercurey, an appellation nestled in the heart of Burgundy’s Cote Chalonnaise. This wine is showing beautifully now with elegant floral aromatics and a round, harmonious palate of mineral, tropical fruit, lychee and grapefruit.  Enjoy this dynamite wine with crab cakes, scallops, or fish baked in papillote topped with sauteed tomatoes and Provencal herbs.

$39.99

Mills Club: $35.99

Case Price: $31.99

 

Summer Water 2020 Rosè, Central Coast, California (Tim)

Pleasing strawberry and grapefruit notes mark the profile of this pale pink, dry, Provence-style wine from California.  This wine would work well as an aperitif or paired with appetizers or pizza.

$19.99

Mills Club: $17.99

Case Price: $15.99

 

Monte Degli 2019 Pinot Noir, Piedmont, Italy (Andrew)

Wild raspberry and black cherry fruit notes are followed by rustic Piemonte undertones in this medium-bodied bargain Pinot Noir with silky smooth tannins! Pair with Gnocchi with a delicate cream sauce, or Agnolotti del Plin, the purse-shaped Piemonte ravioli filled with beef, pork or veal and topped with sage and butter.

$11.99

Sale Price: $9.59

 

Venta Morales 2020 Tempranillo, Spain (Aron)

A project between the famed Jorge Ordonez and Rafael Canizares, this Tempranillo sees no oak in the winemaking process, making for a fresh expression of this prominent Spanish grape. This inexpensive red is bright with satisfying notes of cherry and wild red berry and is equally at home with a spread of cheese and charcuterie, or grilled skirt steaks or pork chops.

$10.00

Mills Club: $9.00

Case Price: $8.00

 

Dezzani 2017 Albarossa, Piedmont, Italy (Tim)

A cross between Nebbiolo and Barbera, the Albarossa grape is gaining prominence in Piedmont. This red is drinking beautifully now, displaying blueberry and black cherry fruit notes with underbrush berries, accompanied by firm tannins and acidity. Pair with risotto, pasta with stewed meats, or aged cheeses.

$19.99

Mills Club: $17.99

Case Price: $15.99                                                                

 

Carmen 2019 “Frida Kahlo” Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile (Pat)

This wine from one of the oldest Chilean wineries pays homage to iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon shows red currant and blackberry fruit notes with accents of sweet spice and black pepper. Grippy tannins make this a fine pairing with Chacarero, a traditional Chilean street food, a grilled steak sandwich topped with green beans and tomatoes.

$15.99

Mills Club: $14.39

Case Price: $12.79

 

El Escoces Volante “Es lo Que Hay” 2018 Garnacha, Calatayud, Spain (Jen & Jerry)

Owner Norrel Robertson is a Master of Wine, one of the only living in Spain currently. The name translates to “It is what it is”, referring to the wine’s pure expression of terroir. Made from primarily Garnacha grown at high elevation to clay and limestone soils, a small 5% of the wine is later-ripening Moristel, which adds depth and complexity. The wine is fermented in cement and then matured in Flextank eggs for 15 months. Showing juicy and vibrant with intense black fruit notes and hints of Mediterranean herb, this will pair nicely with Puchero, a hearty Spanish stew traditionally containing beef, rice, noodles and vegetables, or Jamòn de Teruel, an Aragonese cured ham. Rated 93pts Robert Parker.

$25.99

Mills Club: $23.39

Case Price: $20.79

 

Clos Farnelli La Robe d’Ange, Corsica, France (Andres)

A rare example of wine made from the native Sciaccarellu grape from Corsica, this well-balanced red features red fruit, flowery notes, and minerality in a medium-bodied package. Pair with Mediterranean dishes with chicken or pork.  ORGANIC

$24.99

Mills Club: $22.49

Case Price: $19.99