Try a stunning Bordeaux white, red and dessert wine sure to complete your holiday meal!
The first weekend of each month we select 12 of our new favorite wines that represent good value for the price, and are seasonally appropriate! Join us in tasting six of them on Saturday and the other six on Sunday.
January Staff Picks
Tasting Saturday 2pm-6pm
NV Roederer Estate Brut, Anderson Valley, California
Famous Champagne house Louis Roederer started producing this California sparkling wine in the 1980s, building upon their foundation of 200 years of winemaking in Champagne, France. Using all estate grown grapes (60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir) and the addition of oak aged reserve wines, they create this multi-vintage cuvee in the traditional method with a second fermentation in bottle. Apple, brioche and spice aromas and rich vibrant flavors abound in this medium-bodied brut that scored spot #25 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines list of 2017. I love this wine paired with pan seared scallops, sushi, or a steaming hot bowl of crab soup.
Regularly: $29.99
Sale Price: $23.99
Hahn 2015 Chardonnay, Monterey County, California (Aron)
In Nicky Hahn’s native language of German, “Hahn” means rooster, which explains the rooster on the labels of this family owned winery. Most of the Chardonnay for this wine is sourced from the Arroyo Seco appellation of Monterey County, which enjoys cool winds from the Monterey Bay. The wine undergoes barrel aging with 40% in new French oak and 60% in neutral oak. Pineapple, mango, pear and vanilla aromas lead to flavors of baked apple and toffee. Delicate acidity is balanced with sweet butter on the creamy finish. I’d like this wine with creamy mushroom and sage risotto, or maybe a hearty bowl of chicken vegetable soup with crusty bread.
Regularly: $14.99
Mills Club: $13.49
Case Price: $11.99
Fiore 2014 Rosso Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy (Jess)
70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon comprise this wine from San Gimignano and Siena in Tuscany made by Alessandro Fiore, who visited Mills in fall 2017. Bright strawberry and cherry notes accent this well-balanced, soft, velvety wine that presents excellent value for the price! Enjoy with pizza topped with mushrooms and caramelized onions, or pasta with Bolognese sauce.
Regular Price: $13.99
Mills Club $12.59
Case Price $11.19
Terredora Dipaolo 2015 Aglianico IGT, Campania, Italy (Geoff)
Aglianico is the grape in this wine aged partially in stainless steel and partially in French oak barrels. Aglianico enjoys an ancient history, being first cultivated by the Phoenicians and later exported by Greeks. Explosive dark berry aromas, spicy pepper, and violet precede cacao and toast notes. Soft yet present oak tannins lead to a long, harmonious finish. Try with eggplant parmigiana, pasta e fagioli (Italian bean and pasta soup), or braised lamb shanks.
Regular Price: $15.99
Mills Club: $14.39
Case Price: $12.79
Avalon 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, California (Bird)
Layers of red cherries and blackberries are backed by vanilla and toasted oak in this Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Rutherford, Oakville and Oak Knoll AVAs in Napa. Affordable Napa Cabs are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Taste this version with a gouda topped cheeseburger on a toasted bun, braised short ribs, or pot roast.
Regular Price: $21.99
Mills Club: $19.79
Case Price: $17.59
Piazzo 2016 Moscato d’Asti, Piedmont, Italy (Andres)
Fresh, light and airy describes this Italian dessert wine with ravishing flavors of pineapple and peach that ends with palate cleansing effervescence. Enjoy with Angel food cake topped with strawberries, cheesecake, or a plate of fresh fruit topped with chopped mint. This could also serve as lovely brunch wine with Ricotta pancakes topped with lemon curd.
Regularly: $14.99
Mills Club: $13.49
Case Price: $11.99
Sunday 1-4pm
Remhoogte First Light 2016 Chenin Blanc, South Africa (Jess)
Chenin blanc is a highly versatile grape, grown initially in the Loire Valley where it is known as Vouvray, but also it thrives in California, South Africa and Argentina, and can range from dry to sweet, and light-bodied to full-bodied. This fresh light-bodied version boasts apricots, pear, and orange zest aromas followed by undertones of almonds and fresh acidity. Dry (3.1g/l sugar; whereas off-dry is 18-50g/L), this wine is aged partially in French oak and the remainder in stainless steel. Try this with salmon baked in parchment paper, sushi, roast chicken, or smoked salmon or trout.
Regularly: $14.99
Mills Club: $13.49
Case Price: $11.99
Red Tail Ridge 2015 Pinot Noir, Finger Lakes, New York (Tim)
This Pinot Noir is sustainably farmed on the shores of Seneca Lake in upstate New York. Strawberry, vanilla, spice and cocoa accent this medium-bodied wine that is equally savory and spicy. Aged 10 months in neutral French oak, this wine would pair beautifully with ham or salmon. Red Tail Ridge was the first New York winery to achieve the LEED winery certification.
Regularly: $24.99
Mills Club: $22.49
Case Price: $19.99
Teliani Valley 2015 Khvanchkara, Republic of Georgia (Tim)
Khvanchkara is an AOC in the Racha district at high elevation in the Caucasus mountains, a blend of Georgian indigenous grapes Mujuretuli and Alexandreuli. Fermented in stainless steel, this is a semi-sweet wine (35g/L residual sugar), silky and velvety in texture, fresh with wild raspberry, pomegranate and strawberry notes balanced with acidity. Enjoy with a selection of rich cheeses and nuts. Rated 90pts by Wine Enthusiast magazine.
Regularly: $19.99
Mills Club: $17.99
Case Price: $15.99
Chateau Rocher-Figeac 2015 St.-Emilion, France (Pat D.)
85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc from 35 year old vines figure into the blend from this estate, founded in 1880 by Rocher, an ancestor of current proprietor Mr. Tournier. Aged 6 months in French oak, this affordable Saint-Emilion will pair nicely with leg of lamb, venison chili, or beef wellington.
Regular Price: $22.99
Mills Club: $20.69
Case Price: $18.39
David Reynaud 2014 “Georges” Crozes-Hermitage Vignes Authentiques, Rhone, France (Jen & Jerry)
A bit of a splurge but entirely worth it in our opinion, this 100% Syrah is aged 12 months in used oak. Black raspberry, toasted spice, dried flower notes and a hint of game emerge from the glass in this supple, medium-bodied, elegant and velvety smooth red. Only 112 cases imported. Rated 90pts Wine Spectator. Enjoy this lovely wine with cassoulet, beef stew, or Moroccan lamb.
Regular Price: $29.99
Mills Club: $26.99
Case Price: $23.99
Fonseca Bin 27 Ruby Port, Portugal (Jen & Jerry)
Fonseca Bin 27 was initially intended for consumption by the founding (founded in 1822) owners the Guimaraens family. It was not available commercially until the 1970s. Rich and velvety with notes of blackcurrant and cherry, this wine will nicely accompany a rich chocolate birthday cake or cheeses and is sure to warm one up on a cold winter’s night. Rated 90pts by Wine Spectator.
Regular Price: $19.99
Mills Club: $17.99
Case Price: $15.99
This is the second half of our monthly Staff Picks Wine Tasting.
Sunday 1-4pm
Remhoogte First Light 2016 Chenin Blanc, South Africa (Jess)
Chenin blanc is a highly versatile grape, grown initially in the Loire Valley where it is known as Vouvray, but also it thrives in California, South Africa and Argentina, and can range from dry to sweet, and light-bodied to full-bodied. This fresh light-bodied version boasts apricots, pear, and orange zest aromas followed by undertones of almonds and fresh acidity. Dry (3.1g/l sugar; whereas off-dry is 18-50g/L), this wine is aged partially in French oak and the remainder in stainless steel. Try this with salmon baked in parchment paper, sushi, roast chicken, or smoked salmon or trout.
Regularly: $14.99
Mills Club: $13.49
Case Price: $11.99
Red Tail Ridge 2015 Pinot Noir, Finger Lakes, New York (Tim)
This Pinot Noir is sustainably farmed on the shores of Seneca Lake in upstate New York. Strawberry, vanilla, spice and cocoa accent this medium-bodied wine that is equally savory and spicy. Aged 10 months in neutral French oak, this wine would pair beautifully with ham or salmon. Red Tail Ridge was the first New York winery to achieve the LEED winery certification.
Regularly: $24.99
Mills Club: $22.49
Case Price: $19.99
Teliani Valley 2015 Khvanchkara, Republic of Georgia (Tim)
Khvanchkara is an AOC in the Racha district at high elevation in the Caucasus mountains, a blend of Georgian indigenous grapes Mujuretuli and Alexandreuli. Fermented in stainless steel, this is a semi-sweet wine (35g/L residual sugar), silky and velvety in texture, fresh with wild raspberry, pomegranate and strawberry notes balanced with acidity. Enjoy with a selection of rich cheeses and nuts. Rated 90pts by Wine Enthusiast magazine.
Regularly: $19.99
Mills Club: $17.99
Case Price: $15.99
Chateau Rocher-Figeac 2015 St.-Emilion, France (Pat D.)
85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc from 35 year old vines figure into the blend from this estate, founded in 1880 by Rocher, an ancestor of current proprietor Mr. Tournier. Aged 6 months in French oak, this affordable Saint-Emilion will pair nicely with leg of lamb, venison chili, or beef wellington.
Regular Price: $22.99
Mills Club: $20.69
Case Price: $18.39
David Reynaud 2014 “Georges” Crozes-Hermitage Vignes Authentiques, Rhone, France (Jen & Jerry)
A bit of a splurge but entirely worth it in our opinion, this 100% Syrah is aged 12 months in used oak. Black raspberry, toasted spice, dried flower notes and a hint of game emerge from the glass in this supple, medium-bodied, elegant and velvety smooth red. Only 112 cases imported. Rated 90pts Wine Spectator. Enjoy this lovely wine with cassoulet, beef stew, or Moroccan lamb.
Regular Price: $29.99
Mills Club: $26.99
Case Price: $23.99
Fonseca Bin 27 Ruby Port, Portugal (Jen & Jerry)
Fonseca Bin 27 was initially intended for consumption by the founding (founded in 1822) owners the Guimaraens family. It was not available commercially until the 1970s. Rich and velvety with notes of blackcurrant and cherry, this wine will nicely accompany a rich chocolate birthday cake or cheeses and is sure to warm one up on a cold winter’s night. Rated 90pts by Wine Spectator.
Regular Price: $19.99
Mills Club: $17.99
Case Price: $15.99
The first weekend of each month we select 12 of our new favorite wines that represent good value for the price, and are seasonally appropriate! Join us in tasting six of them on Saturday and the other six on Sunday.
Taste a selection of our wines for sale at cost during our SemiAnnual Sale!
Try our selections for the month of March, our current favorites that represent great value for the price and selected to pair with seasonal foods. Taste six on Saturday and the other six on Sunday!
WINES TO TASTE SATURDAY 2-6pm
Boet Le Roux 2016 Old Vines Colombard, Swartland, South Africa (Jen and Jerry)
If you enjoy Sauvignon Blanc but are considering trying something new, consider this Columbard! Colombard is a relatively rare varietal, most popularly used in making Cognac. Originating in France, it is made into white wine in Gascogne but it is also cultivated in California, South Africa, and Australia. Characterized by crisp citrus fruit flavors, good acidity and a zesty, refreshing finish, this would be excellent with a cheese plate or fried chicken with mashed potatoes.
Regular Price: $10.00
Mills Club Price: $9.00
Case Price: $8.00
Masseria Felicia Anthologia 2013 Falanghina IGT, Salerno, Italy (Geoff)
Masseria Felicia is uniquely situated within Campania on volcanic soil comprised of grey tufa, pumice and volcanic ash, located 10km from the sea. Falanghina is the grape, an ancient Campanian varietal. Bright with tropical fruit and citrus aromas, this also provides grapefruit, lemon zest, and nervy minerality on the palate. Try with linguine with alfredo sauce, or Caesar salad.
Regular Price: $19.99
Mills Club Price: $17.99
Case Price: $15.99
Commanderie de la Bargemone 2016 Rose, Provence, France (Tim)
A dry rose is the perfect compliment to Easter dinners of poultry or ham. This version is made from a blend of 40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Rolle, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Counoise and 5% Carignan. Featuring wild strawberry and red currant aromas, this is filled with red fruit flavor components but is bone dry. Rated 91pts by Wine Enthusiast and “Editors’ Choice”. The Bargemone estate dates back to the 13th century when it was occupied by the Knights Templar.
Regular Price: $19.99
Mills Club Price: $17.99
Case Price: $15.99
Philippe Milan et Fils Cote Chalonnaise Pinot Noir, Bourgogne, France (Jess)
The search for affordable Burgundy Pinot Noir continues, and we uncovered this little gem during a recent tasting. The estate is located in the hamlet of Valotte in Chassey-Le-Camp, and they only export roughly 10% of their production. We were impressed by the finesse of this light-bodied red, highly aromatic and featuring a long finish with loads of cherry fruit notes. This would pair well with salmon or roasted poultry!
Regular Price: $19.99
Mills Club Price: $17.99
Case Price: $15.99
Aivalis 2015 Nemea, Greece (Geoff)
Christos Aivalis (fifth generation winemaker) is at the helm of the winery, which is located outside the village of Petri. The grape is Agiorgitiko, aged 14 months in neutral oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Christos adheres to organic principles, and his grapes are dry-farmed and he only uses natural fertilizer if any at all. This is a bold, full-bodied wine, featuring black plum and blackberry notes, a hint of herb and an underlying pleasing earthiness. Great structure and acidity demand pairing with lamb or roasted or grilled red meats.
Regular Price: $18.99
Mills Club Price: $17.09
Case Price: $15.19
Pascual Toso 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina (Jen & Jerry)
There’s much more to Argentina than Malbec! We found this Cabernet Sauvignon to be a great value, brimming with blackberry, plum, and licorice with delightful vanilla oak notes. Pair with grilled steaks.
Regular Price: $14.99
Mills Club Price: $13.49
Case Price: $11.99
WINES TASTED SUNDAY 1-4pm
NonVintage Juve & Camps Brut Nature Cava, Spain (Andres)
The 40th Anniversary Cuvee celebrates the first commercial release of the Juve Family private cava into the market. Made from indigenous grapes Macabeo, Parellada and Xarello, this is a zero dosage Cava, with palate cleansing acidity and bubbles, making it a wonderful food pairing with everything from spicy seafood dishes to Iberico ham. Ripe white peaches, toasted baguette, and hints of lemon, apricot and green apple are delightful! 1.4g/L residual sugar.
Regular Price: $19.99
Mills Club Price: $17.99
Case Price: $15.99
Noble Vines 2016 446 Chardonnay, Monterey, California (Jess)
Superb value on a Monterey Chardonnay! Granny smith apples, pears, melons, and lemon flavors are wrapped up with a creamy buttery texture concluding with a long finish. The number 446 represents the Chardonnay clone #4 Martini and the block where it’s grown, #46 of San Bernabe Vineyard in Monterey.
Regular Price: $10.99
Mills Club Price: $9.89
Case Price: $8.79
Dr. Konstantin Frank 2016 Dry Riesling, Finger Lakes, New York (Aron)
Oft heralded Dr Konstantin Frank delivers again with this vibrant Riesling, featuring crisp acidity, Keuka Lake minerality, and lemon, green apple and floral notes. Dr. Konstantin Frank is widely credited with giving the Finger Lakes and New York credibility in the wine World. This would be excellent with seafood dishes and especially ceviche or oysters.
Regular Price: $19.99
Mills Club Price: $17.99
Case Price: $15.99
Impero Collection 2016 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Italy (Tim)
Abruzzo is a region in Southern Italy where the grape Montepulciano is grown (not to be confused with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which is Sangiovese grown in Tuscany!). Montepulciano is an easy drinking red, dry and not overly tannic with bright berry notes. This is the ideal weeknight wine to pair with simple Italian meals; spaghetti and meatballs, pizza or lasagna.
Regular Price: $10.00
Mills Club Price: $9.00
Case Price: $8.00
Clos des Lune “La Petite Lune” 2015 Rouge, Bordeaux, France (Pat D.)
2015 was a banner vintage year in Bordeaux! This wine is from Clos des Lunes, the second winery of the famed Domaine de Chevalier. Mostly Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this displays lovely red and black currant fruit, grounded by slate and lead pencil notes. A classic Bordeaux to pair with lamb.
Regular Price: $16.99
Mills Club Price: $15.29
Case Price: $13.59
Menhir Salento 2015 Filo IGT Salento, Italy (Pat D.)
We love this winery from Puglia, the heel of the boot, and this is our third wine from them. This stunningly delicious wine is 100% Negroamaro which spent 12 months in barrel, and features intense aromatics and full bodied flavors of blackberry, licorice, dark chocolate covered cherries and leather. Try with aged or blue cheeses, or lamb, or even dark chocolate. Be careful, 15.5% alcohol!
Regular Price: $31.99
Mills Club Price: $28.79
Case Price: $25.59
WINES TASTED SUNDAY 1-4pm
NonVintage Juve & Camps Brut Nature Cava, Spain (Andres)
The 40th Anniversary Cuvee celebrates the first commercial release of the Juve Family private cava into the market. Made from indigenous grapes Macabeo, Parellada and Xarello, this is a zero dosage Cava, with palate cleansing acidity and bubbles, making it a wonderful food pairing with everything from spicy seafood dishes to Iberico ham. Ripe white peaches, toasted baguette, and hints of lemon, apricot and green apple are delightful! 1.4g/L residual sugar.
Regular Price: $19.99
Mills Club Price: $17.99
Case Price: $15.99
Noble Vines 2016 446 Chardonnay, Monterey, California (Jess)
Superb value on a Monterey Chardonnay! Granny smith apples, pears, melons, and lemon flavors are wrapped up with a creamy buttery texture concluding with a long finish. The number 446 represents the Chardonnay clone #4 Martini and the block where it’s grown, #46 of San Bernabe Vineyard in Monterey.
Regular Price: $10.99
Mills Club Price: $9.89
Case Price: $8.79
Dr. Konstantin Frank 2016 Dry Riesling, Finger Lakes, New York (Aron)
Oft heralded Dr Konstantin Frank delivers again with this vibrant Riesling, featuring crisp acidity, Keuka Lake minerality, and lemon, green apple and floral notes. Dr. Konstantin Frank is widely credited with giving the Finger Lakes and New York credibility in the wine World. This would be excellent with seafood dishes and especially ceviche or oysters.
Regular Price: $19.99
Mills Club Price: $17.99
Case Price: $15.99
Impero Collection 2016 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Italy (Tim)
Abruzzo is a region in Southern Italy where the grape Montepulciano is grown (not to be confused with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which is Sangiovese grown in Tuscany!). Montepulciano is an easy drinking red, dry and not overly tannic with bright berry notes. This is the ideal weeknight wine to pair with simple Italian meals; spaghetti and meatballs, pizza or lasagna.
Regular Price: $10.00
Mills Club Price: $9.00
Case Price: $8.00
Clos des Lune “La Petite Lune” 2015 Rouge, Bordeaux, France (Pat D.)
2015 was a banner vintage year in Bordeaux! This wine is from Clos des Lunes, the second winery of the famed Domaine de Chevalier. Mostly Merlot and Cabernet Franc, this displays lovely red and black currant fruit, grounded by slate and lead pencil notes. A classic Bordeaux to pair with lamb.
Regular Price: $16.99
Mills Club Price: $15.29
Case Price: $13.59
Menhir Salento 2015 Filo IGT Salento, Italy (Pat D.)
We love this winery from Puglia, the heel of the boot, and this is our third wine from them. This stunningly delicious wine is 100% Negroamaro which spent 12 months in barrel, and features intense aromatics and full bodied flavors of blackberry, licorice, dark chocolate covered cherries and leather. Try with aged or blue cheeses, or lamb, or even dark chocolate. Be careful, 15.5% alcohol!
Regular Price: $31.99
Mills Club Price: $28.79
Case Price: $25.59