Every month, the 12 wines you see when you first walk into Mills, our “Staff Picks” rack, changes over to a new set of wines. The first weekend of every month, we taste six of them on Saturday and the other six on Sunday. This is a complimentary tasting, no reservations required.

January Staff Picks

Tasting Saturday 2pm-6pm

NonVintage Jansz Rose, Tasmania, Australia (Pat Darr)

This sparkling wine is the palest salmon hue, toasty biscuit aromas, strawberry and golden apple notes on the palate. Creamy, long finish. 90pts Wine Enthusiast, “Editors’ Choice”. 68% Pinot Noir 26% Chardonnay and 6% Pinot Meunier.

Regularly: $28.99

Mills Club: $26.09

Case Price: $23.19

 

Manoir du Carra 2014 Fleurie, Beaujolais, France (Jen & Jerry)

The Sambadier family has owned Manoir du Carra for generations, and they’ve been producing wonderful Beaujolais here since 1850. Beaujolais is made from the Gamay grape, and while village Beaujolais are reputed to be light and fruity, the Cru wines can range from light to full-bodied and very complex. One of the 10 famous Cru areas of Beaujolais, “Fleurie” means “flower”, and indeed violets are a characteristic aromatic component of wines from this Cru. Violets, red berries and flint waft to the nose in this wine with medium body and crisp acidity, making it an ideal pairing for charcuterie, ham, turkey or chicken.

Regularly: $19.99

Mills Club: $17.99

Case Price: $15.99

 

Chateau Les Arromans 2014 “Cuvee Prestige”, Bordeaux, France (Jessica)

Winemaker Joel Duffau stopped by Mills last week to taste us on their wines during their visit to the US. This bottling, their “Cuvee Prestige”, was our favorite and we thought presented tremendous value. 100% Merlot spends 12 months in barrel, 50% new, 50% used. Look for luscious cherry and vanilla aromas and smooth black cherry fruit on the palate with moderate tannins. Excellent choice with lamb!

Regular Price: $16.99

Mills Club $15.29

Case Price $13.59

 

Lenne 2013 Pinot Noir, Yamhill-Carlton, Oregon (David Lillefloren Guest Pick)

We were excited to gain access to some wonderful Lenne wines by Steve and Karen Lutz, and we found this, their estate Pinot exceptional. Matured in 35% new French oak, it displays bing cherry and black tea aromatics, medium body with ripe red cherry and raspberry fruit. Pair with salmon or pork. Rated 92pts by The Wine Advocate.

Regular Price: $39.99

Mills Club: $35.99

Case Price: $31.99

 

Humble Pie 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast, California (Tim)

Luscious, full blackberry and blackcurrant fruit take the lead in this very smooth and rich food-friendly Cabernet Sauvignon, that also features notes of vanilla bean and cedar wood. Try with steaks on the grill on one of these warm(!) March nights!

Regular Price: $17.99

Mills Club: $16.19

Case Price: $14.39

 

NV Romariz Tawny Port, Portugal (Pat Darr)

When you’re craving Port but don’t want to fork over a lot of dough for an expensive vintage Port, this tawny will hold you over very nicely! This crowd pleasing Port is a blend of aged Ports, and features aromas of figs, spice and wood and nutty dried fruit flavors. A fabulous choice to serve at the end of the meal with a cheese plate (blue cheese is an excellent pairing), or toasted almonds or walnuts. This will also work well with dark chocolate.

Regularly: $15.99

Mills Club: $14.39

Case Price: $12.79

 

Sunday 1-4pm

 

Anton Bauer 2015 “Gmork” Gruner Veltliner, Wagram, Austria (Tim)

It’s no secret we are huge fans of Anton Bauer, and this inexpensive Gruner is no exception. Rated 90pts by Wine Enthusiast, “Notes of crisp green pear and crunchy red apple are very appetizing, the palate is fresh and echoes these flavors and edges them with some spice and alcoholic heat, but also has a drive and energy of its own.” If you’ve never tried Gruner Veltliner, it can have a similar flavor profile to Sauvignon Blanc. This example would be excellent with seafood, or chicken with mac and cheese!

Regularly: $12.99

Mills Club: $11.69

Case Price: $10.39

 

Zind Humbrecht 2014 Riesling, Alsace, France (Carolyn)

Zind-Humbrecht is one of the most respected producers in Alsace and has been for a very long time. This Riesling is their entry level offering, made from all estate grown fruit. Intense fruit and mineral notes are balanced with a core of acidity that make it a brilliant pairing with spicy Thai dishes, or sushi.

Regularly: $29.99

Mills Club: $26.99

Case Price: $23.99

 

Sylvaine & Alain Normand 2014 Pouilly-Fuisse, Burgundy, France (Carolyn)

Alain (from the Loire) met wife-to-be Sylvaine (a Burgundian) in wine school in Beaune. They took over an abandoned vineyard in La Roche-Vineuse with an arrangement to pay the landlord through wine/wine sales, and they’ve been steadily earning an excellent reputation ever since. Burgeoning with gentle honey and brioche aromas and ripe apricot and peach flavors, this Chardonnay with a minerally edge is a delightful treat, especially when paired with lobster, prawns, foie gras, or white meats! 90pts Wine Enthusiast.

Regularly: $29.99

Mills Club: $26.99

Case Price: $23.99

 

The Ned 2016 Rose of Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand (Jessica)

It’s not exactly Rose Season yet, but then again we’ve never had such balmy March weather. This Rose is our first 2016 arrival, being from the Southern Hemisphere. It boasts pleasant aromatics of ripe summer berries but good structure from the Pinot Noir and a pleasant citrusy acidity. Great with seafood or paired with a heart paella or mushroom risotto.

Regular Price: $14.99

Mills Club: $13.49

Case Price: $11.99

 

Villa Puccini 2012 Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy (Andres & Aron)

Named for the Southeast Tuscan town of Montepulciano, this wine enjoyed massive popularity in days of old-17^th century poets referred to it and it was celebrated among Europe’s royalty. In modern times, it’s reputation has suffered from overproduction and poor quality, however it is now making a resurgence! Made mostly from Prugnolo Gentile (a local term for Sangiovese) and some Canaiolo Nero (indigineous Italian blending grape), this dry red boasts a complex bouquet of cherries and violets, with notes of plums and black pepper. This would be an excellent choice with pasta with spicy sausage or meat sauces, or with chicken with rosemary and garlic.

Regular Price: $22.99

Mills Club: $20.69

Case Price: $18.39

 

Quinta de la Rosa 2013 Douro, Portugal (Jen & Jerry)

Try this red blend from Portugal, made from indigenous grapes Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca. Rated 93pts and a designated “Cellar Selection” by Wine Enthusiast “From 20 year old vines grown on old stone terraces, this wine is structured and concentrated, yet balanced, with fine red fruits that are layered by tannins and acidity. The wine has a dense texture that gives it depth and ageability.”

Regular Price: $20.99

Mills Club: $18.89

Case Price: $16.79