January Staff Picks
Tasting Saturday 2pm-6pm
Domaine Raphael Sallet 2015 “Les Maranches” Macon-Uchizy, Burgundy, France (Jessica)
This is 100% Chardonnay from the village of Uchizy in the Northern Maconnais region, from the family owned estate of Raphael and Marylene Sallet. Always on the lookout for affordable Burgundy wines, we thought this selection fit the bill perfectly, with bright fresh pear and apple aromas flavors, medium bodied and a touch of nuttiness.
Regularly: $14.99
Mills Club: $13.49
Case Price: $11.99
Laszlo Kvasinger 2013 Estate Tokaji Furmint, Hungary (Carolyn)
We enjoyed tasting a variety of Furmint wines from Hungary and were impressed and delighted by the diversity of this varietal. Bright acidity makes this dry version an excellent food compliment, try with seafood or pork dishes. Rated 90pts by Wine Enthusiast, “This dry Furmint has aromas of caramelized pineapple, citrus blossom and peach with flavors of apricot, grapefruit and lemon lime. There is pleasant brightness in the crisp finish.”
Regularly: $23.99
Mills Club: $21.59
Case Price: $19.19
Domaine Tournon by M. Chapoutier “Mathilda” 2013 Shiraz, Victoria, Australia (Jen & Jerry)
Black fruits and peppery aromas precede silky and supple tannins in this delicious bold Shiraz from one of our favorite Rhone winemakers, Michel Chapoutier. From Victoria in Southeast Australia, this was fermented and aged in stainless steel. Pair with ham, bacon or braised beef.
Regular Price: $14.99
Mills Club $13.49
Case Price $11.99
Le Macchiole 2014 Bolgheri Rosso DOC, Tuscany, Italy (Jen & Jerry)
Cinzia Merli, widow of founder Eugenio Campolmi, has carried on their passion and dream for producing world class monovarietal wines in Bolgheri. They are known for the iconic Messorio (100% Merlot), Scrio (100% Syrah) and Paleo (100% Cabernet Franc). This luscious, juicy red is their entry level wine, a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Syrah which spends 11 months in 2nd/3rd use oak barriques. Super expressive with dark, brooding fruit flavors; full bodied yet very approachable. Absolutely delicious!
Regular Price: $31.99
Mills Club: $28.80
Case Price: $25.60
Montes Classic 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua Valley, Chile (Andres)
Try this value Cab from pioneering Chilean producer Montes which garnered a spot on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines of 2016 (#42) and a 90pt rating, “There’s minerally freshness to the ripe dark plum, blackberry and cherry flavors, with peppery hints. Well=structured and crisp midpalate, featuring Asian spice and black fig notes on the finish.” Enjoy with beef dishes.
Regular Price: $13.99
Mills Club: $12.59
Case Price: $11.19
Rock & Vine 2014 Three Ranches Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast, California (Tim)
This is 98% Cabernet Sauvignon with 2% Malbec from Nine North Wine Company which spends 20 months in French oak. Enjoy aromas of blueberry, crème de cassis and vanilla, with flavors of candied cherries and cocoa and a nice, lengthy finish. Try with beef stew or grilled skirt or flank steak.
Regularly: $15.99
Mills Club: $14.39
Case Price: $12.79
Sunday 1-4pm
Non-Vintage JCB No. 21 Cremant de Bourgogne, Burgundy, France (Pat D.)
Cremant are simply Sparkling wines made in France using the Champagne method, but not in the Champagne region. This example is produced in Burgundy by talented Jean-Charles Boisset. The “No. 21” references the French Government’s Department number for the Cote d’Or region, where Jean-Charles was born and raised. Rated 90pts by Wine Enthusiast, this elegant sparkler is bone dry, with apple and lemon custard flavors and fine acidity. This would be a great wine to hand to guests as they arrive at your home, and would pair with many cheeses or fried appetizers.
Regularly: $18.99
Mills Club: $17.09
Case Price: $15.19
Cune 2015 Monopole White Rioja, Spain (Pat D.)
Try this crowd pleasing white wine from the high altitude region of Spain Rioja Alta. Made from the Viura grape, the wine has crisp acidity and is a brilliant seafood pairing, whether grilled, broiled or poached. Producer CVNE (Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana) consistently provides excellent Rioja, year after year. Rated 90pts Wine Spectator, “ This white is fresh and bright, but also dense, with a firm backbone of crisp acidity that carries pear, McIntosh apple and verbena flavors. The juicy, floral finish brings you back for another sip.” *Best Value designee
Regularly: $16.99
Mills Club: $15.29
Case Price: $13.59
Mavro 2010 Xinomavro Naoussa, Greece (Carolyn)
Xinomavro is a word of Greek origin, which translates to “black acid”. Grown in the northern regions of Greece, including the appellation of Naoussa, and is one of the predominant red grapes of Greece (the other main grape being Agiorgitiko). Often compared to Nebbiolo or Pinot Noir, it features good acidity, red fruit flavors, lower tannins and sometimes a touch of savoriness. Try this delicious example with roasted lamb!
Regularly: $18.99
Mills Club: $17.09
Case Price: $15.19
Norton 2016 “Coleccion” Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina (Jessica)
Cold winter nights call for a hot stew or sizzling beef fajitas paired with a glass of Malbec. Smooth and supple, with aromas of ripe plums, blackberries, and cassis, this will warm you up without putting a huge dent in your wallet!
Regular Price: $12.99
Mills Club: $11.69
Case Price: $10.39
Henri Larzac Chateau Segries 2011 Lirac, France (Tim)
50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Cinsault and 10% Mourvedre, this delicious Cotes du Rhone is from the village of Lirac which borders Tavel and is across the river from Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Rated 90+pts Robert Parker and Best Buy designation, “offers dense, ripe, black currant and black cherry fruit intermixed with licorice, forest floor and underbrush. This spicy, fleshy, succulent red possesses both structure and depth.”
Regular Price: $18.99
Mills Club: $17.09
Case Price: $15.19
Marenco Pineto 2015 Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (Aron)
Notes of elegant rose and strawberry grace the palate in this delicate, sparkling, sweet red. This will pair beautifully served chilled with a fruit plate, chocolate covered strawberries, or cake. The Brachetto grape has been grown in the area of Acqui since Roman times! Delicious!
Regular Price: $22.99
Mills Club: $20.69
Case Price: $18.39
Sunday 1-4pm
Non-Vintage JCB No. 21 Cremant de Bourgogne, Burgundy, France (Pat D.)
Cremant are simply Sparkling wines made in France using the Champagne method, but not in the Champagne region. This example is produced in Burgundy by talented Jean-Charles Boisset. The “No. 21” references the French Government’s Department number for the Cote d’Or region, where Jean-Charles was born and raised. Rated 90pts by Wine Enthusiast, this elegant sparkler is bone dry, with apple and lemon custard flavors and fine acidity. This would be a great wine to hand to guests as they arrive at your home, and would pair with many cheeses or fried appetizers.
Regularly: $18.99
Mills Club: $17.09
Case Price: $15.19
Cune 2015 Monopole White Rioja, Spain (Pat D.)
Try this crowd pleasing white wine from the high altitude region of Spain Rioja Alta. Made from the Viura grape, the wine has crisp acidity and is a brilliant seafood pairing, whether grilled, broiled or poached. Producer CVNE (Compania Vinicola del Norte de Espana) consistently provides excellent Rioja, year after year. Rated 90pts Wine Spectator, “ This white is fresh and bright, but also dense, with a firm backbone of crisp acidity that carries pear, McIntosh apple and verbena flavors. The juicy, floral finish brings you back for another sip.” *Best Value designee
Regularly: $16.99
Mills Club: $15.29
Case Price: $13.59
Mavro 2010 Xinomavro Naoussa, Greece (Carolyn)
Xinomavro is a word of Greek origin, which translates to “black acid”. Grown in the northern regions of Greece, including the appellation of Naoussa, and is one of the predominate red grapes of Greece (the other main grape being Agiorgitiko). Often compared to Nebbiolo or Pinot Noir, it features good acidity, red fruit flavors, lower tannins and sometimes a touch of savoriness. Try this delicious example with roasted lamb!
Regularly: $18.99
Mills Club: $17.09
Case Price: $15.19
Norton 2016 “Coleccion” Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina (Jessica)
Cold winter nights call for a hot stew or sizzling beef fajitas paired with a glass of Malbec. Smooth and supple, with aromas of ripe plums, blackberries, and cassis, this will warm you up without putting a huge dent in your wallet!
Regular Price: $12.99
Mills Club: $11.69
Case Price: $10.39
Henri Larzac Chateau Segries 2011 Lirac, France (Tim)
50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Cinsault and 10% Mourvedre, this delicious Cotes du Rhone is from the village of Lirac which borders Tavel and is across the river from Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Rated 90+pts Robert Parker and Best Buy designation, “offers dense, ripe, black currant and black cherry fruit intermixed with licorice, forest floor and underbrush. This spicy, fleshy, succulent red possesses both structure and depth.”
Regular Price: $18.99
Mills Club: $17.09
Case Price: $15.19
Marenco Pineto 2015 Brachetto d’Acqui DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (Aron)
Notes of elegant rose and strawberry grace the palate in this delicate, sparkling, sweet red. This will pair beautifully served chilled with a fruit plate, chocolate covered strawberries, or cake. The Brachetto grape has been grown in the area of Acqui since Roman times! Delicious!
Regular Price: $22.99
Mills Club: $20.69
Case Price: $18.39
During our SemiAnnual sale, we have 20 wines very deeply discounted. If you’re feeling leary of such good deals, try for yourself! We’ll have some of them open during our Saturday wine tasting. This is a complimentary tasting, no reservations required.
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-17th 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
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.
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-17th 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
Join us for an educational, complimentary Sherry tasting! Save 15% if you choose to purchase.