January Staff Picks
Tasting Saturday 2pm-6pm
Migration 2013 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, California (Pat Darr)
From the Duckhorn family of wines, this cool climate, decidedly non-sweet Chardonnay will delight you with lush peach and apple fruit flavors, bright acidity, and balanced oak with a slightly creamy note. Try with a roasted chicken or creamy soup!
Regularly: $39.99
Mills Club: $35.99
Case Price: $31.99
Willm 2014 Pinot Gris Reserve, Alsace, France (Jen & Jerry)
Try this juicy Pinot Gris from Willm, which produces significantly good values in the region of Alsace. Bright fresh acidity and slight smoky notes make this a lovely pairing with cheeses, Indian curries, mildly spicy foods or smoked seafood.
Regularly: $14.99
Mills Club: $13.49
Case Price: $11.99
Domaine du Bois Saint Jean 2011 “L’Intrepide” Cotes du Rhone, France (Jessica)
A heady blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault awaits you in this affordable bottle of Cotes du Rhone. Graphite and blackberry flavors precede a touch of minerality that is very attractive! Medium bodied, this will pair nicely with roasted poultry or pork dishes.
Regular Price: $15.99
Mills Club $14.39
Case Price $12.79
D’Angelo 2012 Aglianico del Vulture, Basilicata, Italy (Jen & Jerry)
Volcanic soils at the base of Monte Vulture in the Basilicata province of Southern Italy impart flavor to this bold red made from the Aglianico grape. Dark plum, peppery mineral, spice, licorice and tobacco are just some of the layered flavors in this heartily tannic wine that was made to pair with roasted lamb, grilled beef, or hearty lasagna.
Regular Price: $19.99
Mills Club: $17.99
Case Price: $15.99
Chronic Cellars 2014 “Purple Paradise” Red Blend, Paso Robles, California (Tim)
77% Zinfandel, 14% Syrah, 8% Petite Sirah, and 1% Grenache comprise this luscious red blend from Paso Robles. Vibrant and fruit-forward flavors of black raspberry and mulberry meld with vanilla and clove notes, followed by a long finish with just a touch of smokiness. Rated 90pts Wine Enthusiast and designated “Best Buy”. Try this full-bodied red with a spice-rubbed brisket or a grilled rib eye steak.
Regular Price: $16.99
Mills Club: $15.29
Case Price: $13.59
RouteStock 2012 “Route 29” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California (Carolyn)
Winemaker Wayne Donaldson (formerly of Chandon, and also Louis Martini) crafted this well-made, moderately priced Cabernet Sauvignon with fruit all sourced from Napa Valley. “Route 29” is a nod to the winding road that meanders through Napa. Cherry pie, plum, roasted coffee and spicy vanilla notes meld seamlessly around a core of soft tannins. Enjoy this full-bodied Cab with steaks or hard cheeses.
Regularly: $25.99
Mills Club: $23.39
Case Price: $20.79
Sunday 1-4pm
Gruet Non-Vintage Extra Dry Sparkling, New Mexico (Jessica)
This sparkling wine is made from 100% Chardonnay in the same manner as Champagne is made (methode Champenoise). Golden apple, yellow pear and cherry blossoms mark this medium bodied, off-dry wine with a pastry note on the finish. Excellent as an aperitif, or with spicy foods!
Regularly: $19.99
Mills Club: $17.99
Case Price: $15.99
Penfolds 2013 Koonunga Hill Chardonnay, South Australia (Carolyn)
This light to medium bodied 100% Chardonnay with subtle oak influence will compliment seafood as well as poultry dishes. Maturation in stainless steel and 6 months of French oak on yeast lees lends a creamy, hazelnut suggestion on the nose while hazelnuts and stone fruits abound on the palate.
Regularly: $11.99
Mills Club: $10.79
Case Price: $9.59
McManis 2014 Pinot Noir, California (Aron)
It’s always difficult to find good Pinot Noir at an affordable price, which is why we enjoy this selection by McManis Family Vineyards, a medium-bodied Pinot with raspberry aromas and bright red cherry flavors that will pair well with salmon or poultry dishes. Wine Enthusiast “Best Buy”
Regularly: $13.99
Mills Club: $12.59
Case Price: $11.19
Charles Smith 2014 Velvet Devil Merlot, Washington State (Andres)
As the name implies, this wine is velvety smooth; dense with dark fruits, cedar, pipe tobacco and earth, this will work nicely with roasted pork tenderloin.
Regular Price: $13.99
Mills Club: $12.59
Case Price: $11.19
Domaine de Creve Coeur 2014 Sablet, Rhone, France (Pat Darr)
Organically farmed 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre make up this delightful Rhone Red that we tasted and immediately adopted last month. Winemaker Pablo Hocht (who works at Domaine St Cosme while he’s been establishing his own operation) knows the area well as he was born in stone house (Creve Coeur) near the village of Sablet. Sablet is a small village in the heart of northern Provence near the villages of Avignon and Chateauneuf-du-Pape but much less known! This wine boasts copious dark fruit flavors with a tremendously pleasing earthy element, and would pair nicely with game dishes, mushrooms, or duck.
Regular Price: $24.99
Mills Club: $22.49
Case Price: $19.99
Far Eastern Shore Winery “Silver Swan”, Maryland (Tim)
Similar to a traditional ice wine, this Riesling based dessert wine bursts with apple/honey flavors and a touch of vanilla. Excellent with cheesecake, flan, crème brulee, or poured over ice cream! 12% ABV, 6% residual sugar.
Regular Price: $27.99
Mills Club: $25.19
Case Price: $22.39
Sunday 1-4pm
Gruet Non-Vintage Extra Dry Sparkling, New Mexico (Jessica)
This sparkling wine is made from 100% Chardonnay in the same manner as Champagne is made (methode Champenoise). Golden apple, yellow pear and cherry blossoms mark this medium bodied, off-dry wine with a pastry note on the finish. Excellent as an aperitif, or with spicy foods!
Regularly: $19.99
Mills Club: $17.99
Case Price: $15.99
Penfolds 2013 Koonunga Hill Chardonnay, South Australia (Carolyn)
This light to medium bodied 100% Chardonnay with subtle oak influence will compliment seafood as well as poultry dishes. Maturation in stainless steel and 6 months of French oak on yeast lees lends a creamy, hazelnut suggestion on the nose while hazelnuts and stone fruits abound on the palate.
Regularly: $11.99
Mills Club: $10.79
Case Price: $9.59
McManis 2014 Pinot Noir, California (Aron)
It’s always difficult to find good Pinot Noir at an affordable price, which is why we enjoy this selection by McManis Family Vineyards, a medium-bodied Pinot with raspberry aromas and bright red cherry flavors that will pair well with salmon or poultry dishes. Wine Enthusiast “Best Buy”
Regularly: $13.99
Mills Club: $12.59
Case Price: $11.19
Charles Smith 2014 Velvet Devil Merlot, Washington State (Andres)
As the name implies, this wine is velvety smooth; dense with dark fruits, cedar, pipe tobacco and earth, this will work nicely with roasted pork tenderloin.
Regular Price: $13.99
Mills Club: $12.59
Case Price: $11.19
Domaine de Creve Coeur 2014 Sablet, Rhone, France (Pat Darr)
Organically farmed 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre make up this delightful Rhone Red that we tasted and immediately adopted last month. Winemaker Pablo Hocht (who works at Domaine St Cosme while he’s been establishing his own operation) knows the area well as he was born in stone house (Creve Coeur) near the village of Sablet. Sablet is a small village in the heart of northern Provence near the villages of Avignon and Chateauneuf-du-Pape but much less known! This wine boasts copious dark fruit flavors with a tremendously pleasing earthy element, and would pair nicely with game dishes, mushrooms, or duck.
Regular Price: $24.99
Mills Club: $22.49
Case Price: $19.99
Far Eastern Shore Winery “Silver Swan”, Maryland (Tim)
Similar to a traditional ice wine, this Riesling based dessert wine bursts with apple/honey flavors and a touch of vanilla. Excellent with cheesecake, flan, crème brulee, or poured over ice cream! 12% ABV, 6% residual sugar.
Regular Price: $27.99
Mills Club: $25.19
Case Price: $22.39
Join us for a complimentary sampling of beers by Paso Robles-based Firestone Walker Brewing Company. We’ll try PIVO Pils, Easy Jack Sessionable IPA, Double Jack Imperial IPA, and Velvet Merlin Oatmeal Stout. Save 15% if you decide to purchase any Firestone Walker beers!
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