This Saturday’s Wine Tasting (2-6 pm): Favorite White & Red Wine Pairings
This fun tasting will feature three “pairings” of white and red wines from the same producer that are top picks to pour at Labor Day weekend gatherings and during the beautiful “Indian Summer” days ahead in September:
Pairing #1: Nicolas Potel Burgundy White and Red Wines, France
2010 Nicolas Potel Macon-Villages (100% Chardonnay)
Silver Medal and “Best Buy,” World Wine Championships for wines under $20
“Aromas of sponge cake, baked apple, and cream with a supple, dryish medium body and a crisp, citrus and chalk snap on the finish. Nicely balanced and refreshing. (March 2012, Beverage Tasting Institute, Chicago)
Reg. Price : $14.99/Mills Club Price: $13.49/20% off Case Price: $11.99
2011 Nicolas Potel Bourgogne Pinot Noir
Gold Medal, World Wine Championships for wines under $20
“Rich ruby color. Robust aromas mixed berry compote and French toast with a silky, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a tangy mulberry, apple skin, toasty cedar, earth and stone accented finish. An exceptionally well poised and structured pinot noir for the table or sipping.” (March 2013, Beverage Tasting Institute, Chicago)
Reg. Price : $17.99/Mills Club Price: $16.19/20% off Case Price: $14.39
Pairing #2: El Coto White and Red Wines, Rioja, Spain
2011 El Coto de Rioja Blanco (100% Viura)
Winery Notes: “The 2011 El Coto de Rioja Blanco is pale gold-yellow with greenish hues, the wine is intensely aromatic, well balanced, with body and the fruit has a refreshing tart character. Pleasant acidity combines perfectly with an exquisite aftertaste of flowers, fruit and fine herbs.”
Reg. Price : $11.99/Mills Club Price: $10.89/20% off Case Price: $11.99
2009 El Coto Crianza (100% Tempranillo)
Reg. Price : $15.99/Mills Club Price: $14.39/20% off Case Price: $12.79
Pairing #3: Clayhouse Wines Adobe White and Red, Central Coast, California
2011 Clayhouse Wines Adobe White (a Viognier-based white blend)
Winery Notes: “The Adobe White is a proprietary blend with a golden straw color, and fragrant floral notes of orange honey blossom and lemon citrus. Jasmine, pear, peach, mango and lychee aromas jump from the glass. There’s a creamy mouthfeel from the 5% barrel fermentation. That small portion of barrel fermented Viognier adds some viscosity to the grassy sharpness of the Sauvignon Blanc and Grenache Blanc, and it enhances the aromatics with barely perceptible vanilla bean notes. The wine lingers in the mouth with a bit of warmth and spice on the finish.”
Reg. Price : $15.99/Mills Club Price: $14.39/20% off Case Price: $12.79
2009 Clayhouse Wines Adobe Red (a Zinfandel-based red blend)
Winery notes: “Based on Zinfandel, this lip-smacking, juicy red is the result of blending grape varieties and flavors grown throughout California’s Central Coast. The majority of the grapes
came from our estate Red Cedar Vineyard, just east of the town of Paso Robles. Adobe
Red is a fun and tasty flavor fusion of six different grape varieties: 32% Zinfandel, 25%
Petite Sirah, 13% Malbec, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, 9% Petit Verdot. »
Reg. Price : $15.99/Mills Club Price: $14.39/20% off Case Price: $12.79
Staff Picks for September Part I: A collection of wines that the staff feels overdelivers for their price points! 6 of the 12 wines are tasted Saturday and the other 6 wines are tasted on Sunday.
Staff Picks Part II.
“Hard-to-find-on-the East Coast” Foxen Wines
Some of the very few Foxen wines from California that make it to the East Coast have joined our California section: two Pinot Noirs, one Chenin Blanc, and one Cabernet Sauvignon. Take the opportunity to meet Foxen owner Dick Dore as he stops by for a quick meet and greet and taste a lovely Foxen wine!
2009 foxen 7200 Cabernet Sauvignon, Vogelzang Vineyard, Happy Canyon
93 Points, Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate (Nov. 2012):
“…. the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Vogelzang Vineyard is gorgeous. Dark cherries, plums, menthol, graphite, grilled herbs and spices explode from the glass as this boisterous, deeply expressive Cabernet Sauvignon shows off its personality and sheer class. The 2009 boasts fabulous richness and depth from start to finish. I imagine this exciting, viscerally thrilling Cabernet Sauvignon will drink beautifully for a number of years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019”.
2011 Foxen Pinot Noir, Block 8- Bien Nacido Vineyard
92 Points, Cellar Selection, Wine Enthusiast (forthcoming)
93 Points, Antonio Galloni’s “Vinous” (July 2013):
“The 2011 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8 is beautifully layered from start to finish. Dark red fruits meld into sweet floral and balsamic notes as the wine opens up in the glass. Medium in body and beautifully textured on the palate, the 2011 is all about polish. This is another terrific showing. Best of all, the 2011 will offer tremendous pleasure right out of the gate.” Drinking window: 2014-2021
2011 Foxen Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley
94 Points, Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate (Nov. 2012):
“The 2010 Pinot Noir Bien Nacido Vineyard Block 8 is another super-impressive wine from Foxen. It combines some of the ethereal feel of the Julia’s with the weight of the Sea Smoke. If that sounds appealing, believe me, it is. This is a marvelous Pinot loaded with class and finesse. The Bien Nacido Block 8 (along with the Julia’s) is one of the least expensive of the 2010 Pinots, yet i find it the most compelling of the bunch. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020”
2011 Foxen Chenin Blanc, Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard
): Wines from Bouchaine Vineyards: Napa Valley’s America’s Cup Winery!
Bouchaine, the oldest operating winery in the Carneros district of Napa Valley and also Napa’s closet winery geographically to the America’s Cup competition, will be pouring three dry wines and its amazing “Bouche d’Or” dessert wine made from late harvest Chardonnay.
- 2012 Bouchaine Riesling Las Brisas Vineyard (Dry Riesling)
- 2010 Bouchaine Chardonnay Estate Vineyard Price $27.99/Mills Club $25.19/Case Price $22.39
- 2009 Bouchaine Pinot Noir, Carneros $26.99/Mills Club $24.29/Case Price $21.59
- 2010 Bouchaine “Bouche d’Or” Chardonnay $29.99 /Mills Club $26.99/Case Price $23.99
Solomon’s Island Winery of Maryland “Island Mist Wines” Tasting.
We’ll sample some white and red Columbia Valley wines by Chateau Ste Michelle and 14 Hands, including the new 2010 Indian Wells red blend from Chateau Ste Michelle. Make a mixed wine case with some favorites from this tasting and get our semi-annual sale 25% case discount pricing on these Washington State wines!
White Wines
2011 Chateau Ste Michelle Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley
Reg. Price: $12.99/Mills Club Price: $11.69
Semi-annual wine sale 25% off case price: $9.74
2011 Chateau Ste Michelle Chardonnay, Columbia Valley
Reg. Price: $12.99/Mills Club Price: $11.69
Semi-annual wine sale 25% off case price: $9.74
2011 Chateau Ste Michelle Riesling, Columbia Valley
Reg. Price: $11.99/Mills Club Price: $10.79
Semi-annual wine sale 25% off case price: $8.99
Red Wines
2010 14 Hands Merlot, Columbia Valley
Reg. Price: $10.99/Mills Club Price: $9.89
Semi-annual wine sale 25% off case price: $8.24
2011 14 Hands “Hot to Trot” Red Blend, Columbia Valley
Reg. Price: $11.99/Mills Club Price: $10.79
Semi-annual wine sale 25% off case price: $8.99
2010 Chateau Ste Michelle Indian Wells Red Blend, Columbia Valley
A new red blend in the Indian Wells series: 60% Merlot, 28% Syrah, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Grenache, 2% Malbec, and a dash of Cinsault and Mourvedre.
Reg. Price: $21.99/Mills Club Price: $19.79
Semi-annual wine sale 25% off case price: $16.49
Mills is teaming with winemaker Nickel & Nickel and caterer Ken’s Creative Kitchen to create a singularly spectacular Wine Dinner experience. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, September 25th from 7-10pm at the Annapolis Maritime Museum. Mr. Tom Gilhooly, the Eastern U.S. Region Manager of Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel, Enroute and Dolce Wineries, will be presenting exceptional single-vineyard, single-varietal wines, discussing the varietals, the wine making philosophy, and exploring the vineyards. Ken Upton has thoughtfully designed a four-course menu that pairs perfectly with the six featured wines. The price is $140 per person. To ensure a warm and personal atmosphere, we are limiting seating. Please contact Jennifer Donahoe at jen@millswine.com or (410)263-2888 for reservations, questions, or payment.
Nickel & Nickel Chardonnay Stiling Vineyard (Russian River Valley) and Truchard Vineyard (Carneros) compared, served with:
Sautéed Jumbo Gulf Shrimp; Saffron Couscous and Brunoise of Carrot, Celery, Tomato and Red Onion; Deep Fried Leeks; Curry-Carrot Vinaigrette
Nickel & Nickel Merlot Harris Vineyard (Oakville) served with:
Roasted Autumn Vegetable Ratatouille; Atop Creamy Sage-Paremsan Polenta; Fresh Sage
Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon Quarry Vineyard (Napa) and Kelham Vineyard (Oakville) compared, served with:
Slow Roasted Short Rib of Beef; Velvet Potato Puree; Glazed Root Vegetables and Caramelized Shallots; Fresh Thyme; Crusty St. Germaine Baguettes; Sweet Butter Rosettes
Far Niente “Dolce” served with:
Almond Tuiles Torte; Fresh Raspberries, Blackberries, Strawberries and Blueberries; Coulis of Raspberry; Columns of Grand Marnier Cream
Wines from Favorite Valleys: Willamette, Colchagua, and Rhone Valleys:
Crow Vineyards of Maryland will be at Mills pouring their delicious wines.
2012 A to Z Pinot Gris, Oregon (Mike)
Reg. Price: $16.99
Mills Club Price: $15.29
Case Price: $13.59
From the winemaker, “The 2012 A to Z Pinot Gris has intense aromatics of lime blossom, nectarine, tangerine, melon, wet stone and guava that build into aromatics of nutmeg, Bing cherries and kiwi. The palate is concentrated, ripe and succulent with wonderful lush fruit and mineral notes. The concentration is framed by ripe acidity that gives lift to the wine as it moves to the mid-palate. The flavors on the mid-palate echo the aromas with a deeper not of honey. The wine moves seamlessly into a finish that goes on for some time before finishing crisply. The lasting impression of the wine is great purity and intensity balanced by wonderful juiciness and succulence.”
2012 Domaine Sigalas Asirtiko/Athiri, Santorini, Greece (Mary)
Reg. Price: $22.99
Mills Club Price: $20.69
Case Price: $18.39
This crisp white blend of 75% Asirtiko and 25% Athiri grapes native to Santorini is delightful. Perfect dry white to enjoy with appetizers, fish, or white meat dishes.
2012 Donati “Sisters Forever” Unoaked Chardonnay, Central Coast, California (Pat)
Reg. Price: $15.99
Mills Club Price: $14.39
Case Price: $12.79
**During October, National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Donati Family Vineyards donates proceeds of sales of this wine to breast cancer research.
This unoaked Chardonnay with some Pinot Blanc blended in is full of pure tropical and citrus fruit flavors. Very refreshing as an aperatif or pairs great with all kinds of dishes, including ones with some spice.
2012 Rinaldi “Bug Juice” Moscato d’Asti, Italy (Amy)
Reg. Price: $17.99
Mills Club Price: $16.19
Case Price: $14.39
If there’s a quintessential “fun wine” this is certainly the sparkling low- alcohol Bug Juice. I jokingly refer to this as a breakfast wine but is remarkably fresh and lively wine. The aromatics are stunning with a lively sweetness that goes well with Thai and Indian food as well as seafood.
2012 Bodegas Volver Tarima Monastrell, Alicante, Spain (Robert)
Reg. Price: $10.00
Mills Club Price: $9.00
Case Price: $8.00
Try this 100% Monastrell (known as Mourvedre in France) wine with roasted meats or chorizo sausage. The 2011 vintage received a 91 point rating from Robert Parker and we feel this vintage is comparable in quality. Wonderful rich aroma, fruit forward, berry filled taste, medium bodied with a long finish.
2012 Bodegas Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha, Campo de Borja, Spain (Mary)
Reg. Price: $19.99
Mills Club Price: $17.99
Case Price: $15.99
This full-bodied Garnacha is dark red in the glass, velvety smooth on the palate, and full of dark red fruit flavors. Absolutely one of my favorite Spanish reds.
This Sunday’s Wine Tasting (1-5 pm): October Staff Picks, Part II
2012 Midsummer Cellars GMRV white blend, Napa, California (Robert)
2012 Alvarez de Toledo Godello, Bierzo, Spain (Jen & Jerry)
Reg. Price: $10.99
Mills Club Price: $9.89
Case Price: $8.79
This is an elegant dry white wine made 100% from the Godello grape. Lots of fruit but also very pleasant mineral notes. Great to be paired with salads, chicken dishes and pasta. If you typically like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc you should really try this Godello-and at this price point you can’t go wrong!
2012 Crow Vineyard Barbera Rose, Kent County, Maryland (Amy)
Reg. Price: $21.99
Mills Club Price: $19.79
Case Price: $17.59
2013 Gold Medal Winner Governer’s Cup Best in the Class Rose Wines
It was love at first site with this Barbera Rose. Compare any Cotes De Provence Rose with this marvelous wine from Maryland and you’ll be amazed. The 2011 Rose has a bright briar and bluerry attack with soft mouth feeling tannins. Their rose has well balanced oak that is well intergrated and accentuates the strawberry fruit components of this Barbera.
Spaghetti Red Table Wine, California (Mike)
Reg. Price: $10.00
Mills Club Price: $9.00
Case Price: $8.00
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, this is a delicious dry red table wine that goes great with spaghetti! Nuff said!
2012 Charles Smith Boom Boom Syrah, Washington State (Jen and Jerry)
Reg. Price: $21.99
Mills Club Price: $19.79
Case Price: $17.59
We have shared this explosive dry red with many friends who’ve loved it. Great rich cherry flavors with some earthiness, very smooth. Try with roast lamb!
2009 Las Rocas Spanish Red Blend, Calatayud, Spain (Pat)
Reg. Price: $14.99
Mills Club Price: $13.49
Case Price: $11.99
Great new blend of Garnacha, Tempranillo and Syrah from one of my favorite producers, Las Rocas. Enjoy this full-flavored dry red with all kinds of fare from fish paella to poultry and meat dishes.