Every month, the 12 wines you first see when you walk in Mills change as we unveil our new “Staff Picks”. They are all chosen to present good value for the price, and to pair well with seasonally available food. We taste six on Saturday and the other six on Sunday. Join us and let us know your favorite! Save 10% if you decide to purchase any of the wines, or put together a mixed case of 12 wines and save 20%. This is a complimentary tasting, no reservations required.
June Staff Picks
Tasting Saturday 2pm-6pm
Riebeek Cellars 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Swartland, South Africa (Aron)
The quintessential summer sipping wine, Riebeek produces this highly affordable, fresh, crisp Sauvignon Blanc, brimming with citrus and tropical fruits with gooseberry undertones. Zesty acidity refreshes the palate and makes it an ideal pairing with crisp salads topped with creamy dressings, seafood and shrimp dishes. Riebeek Cellars has been producing wine for over 70 years in the region, and while this wine has not yet been rated, it has achieved “Best Buy” designations from major ratings organizations for the last two years.
Regularly: $10.00
Mills Club: $9.00
Case Price: $8.00
R Collection by Raymond 2014 Chardonnay, Central Coast, California (Andres)
Pure and energetic fruit drives this dry Chardonnay with bright citrus notes, beautiful minerality and a smooth touch of vanilla. Grilled shellfish, steamed crabs, or crab cake sandwiches would sing paired with this wine.
Regularly: $14.99
Mills Club: $13.49
Case Price: $11.99
Dilao 2015 Amber Dry, Republic of Georgia (Jen & Jerry)
Amber or orange wines are made by allowing brief contact with the grape skins during the winemaking process. Made from 50% Rkatsiteli and 50% Mtsvane fermented and aged in qvevre (large clay barrels buried under the ground as is Georgian winemaking tradition). Pair with salads, salmon, or poultry dishes.
Regularly: $14.99
Mills Club: $13.49
Case Price: $11.99
Chateau Montfin 2016 Rose, Corbieres, France (Jessica)
50% Grenache Noir, 45% Cinsault, and 5% Syrah from vines farmed entirely organically by Jerome Esteve and his wife and their three beloved donkeys, Laouset, Bahia and Aglae. This is tiny production at it’s best. Expressive aromas of strawberry and raspberry will greet your nose while the fresh, delicate, ethereal palate are sure to thrill! Share this lovely Rose with friends with cheeses, seafood, or a wide variety of appetizers.
Regular Price: $14.99
Mills Club: $13.49
Case Price: $11.99
Kalaris 2012 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California (Pat D.)
Marylander Gus Kalaris, founder of distribution company Constantine Wines is also founder of Axios Wines. With winemaker Robert Egelhoff they make the famed Axios Napa Cab along with the highly popular Worthy. Pinot Noir devotees will rejoice drinking their complex, silky Sonoma Pinot Noir with elegant notes of sour cherry, sandalwood and cedar, delighting the palate with ripe, succulent yet savory fruit. Pair with rich fish or poultry dishes.
Regular Price: $29.99
Mills Club: $26.99
Case Price: $23.99
Graffetto 2014 Nero D’Avola, Sicily, Italy (Geoff)
There has been a lot of interest in Sicilian wines as of late, and this is why. A great wine made from Nero d’Avola for a great price! Dark fruits and damp earth play on the nose, while plums and blackberries work with black olives and minerally notes on the palate. This wine would accompany grilled meats or robust grilled vegetables nicely.
Regularly: $12.99
Mills Club : $11.69
Case Price: $10.39
Sunday 1-4pm
2015 Glinavos Paleokerisio Semi-Sparkling Orange Wine, Greece (Tim)
We were fascinated with this orange wine, made primarily from Greek indigenous white grape Debina and a small amount of red Vlahiko. The color resembles tea or cognac in the glass. Aromas of apple, cinnamon, and clove enrich the nose, while cherry, apple and butter notes flavor the finish in a cascade of refreshing bubbles. This will accompany a variety of appetizers, from fried foods to foie gras.
Regularly: $17.99
Mills Club: $16.19
Case Price: $14.39
Nortico 2015 Alvarinho, Minho, Portugal (Geoff)
If you love Albarino from Spain you should consider trying those from Portugal as well. This wonderful example offers apple and pear fruits and bright acidity balanced by a creamy texture. This wine pairs nicely with seafood dishes and dishes with vinaigrette dressings.
Regularly: $14.99
Mills Club: $13.49
Case Price: $11.99
Famille Perrin 2016 Reserve Cotes du Rhone Blanc, Rhone, France (Pat D.)
The Perrin family is also responsible for making some of the best Chateauneuf-du-Pape available thru Chateau Beaucastel. They apply the same winemaking principles to this white table wine, made from Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier grapes. This fresh, aromatic white features notes of melon, lemon, quince and white currants. Crisp and medium-bodied, it will pair well with rockfish, grilled fish and Mediterranean dishes.
Regular Price: $12.99
Mills Club $11.69
Case Price $10.39
Cap L’Ousteau 2014 Haut Medoc Grande Reserve, Bordeaux, France (Tim)
The vines for this wine are grown in the village of Lamarque, an area between Margaux and St.-Julien in Bordeaux. This is the second wine of Chateau du Cartillon, comprised of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot matured in barrel for about 12 months.. Medium-bodied with juicy dark fruits, black currant notes and a touch of smoke, it will nicely accompany lamb kebabs or grilled steak.
Regular Price: $29.99
Mills Club: $26.99
Case Price: $23.99
Corte Majoli 2014 Valpolicella Ripasso, Veneto, Italy (Jen & Jerry)
We loved this delicious new blend of 65% Corvina, 30% Rondinella and 5% Molinara from Corte Majoli. Black cherry, clove, leather and toasty oak notes are prevalent on this full-bodied, savory and satisfying wine. Fermented on Amarone lees, the wine is then aged for 12 months in oak and six months in bottle before release. Ripasso means “repassed” and refers to this method of refermenting the wine on the unpressed skins of Amarone after they have finished their spring fermentation, adding flavor and texture. Enjoy with pizza or grilled burgers.
Regular Price: $21.99
Mills Club: $19.79
Case Price: $17.59
Karas Dyutich Sweet Sparkling, Armenia (Jessica)
Looking for the perfect dessert pairing for cheesecake, lemon meringue, or fruit pies? Karas Dyutich is made from Muscat, grown in the Armavir region of Armenia, situated in the valley between Mount Aragats and Mount Ararat. This Sparkling wine boasts heady floral aromas, a beautiful creamy texture, and cascading notes of fresh fruit and peach on the palate. Armenia has a rich winemaking culture, dating back 6000 years.
Regular Price: $14.99
Mills Club: $13.49
Case Price: $11.99
Every month, the 12 wines you first see when you walk in Mills change as we unveil our new “Staff Picks”. They are all chosen to present good value for the price, and to pair well with seasonally available food. We taste six on Saturday and the other six on Sunday. Join us and let us know your favorite! Save 10% if you decide to purchase any of the wines, or put together a mixed case of 12 wines and save 20%. This is a complimentary tasting, no reservations required.
Sunday 1-4pm
2015 Glinavos Paleokerisio Semi-Sparkling Orange Wine, Greece (Tim)
We were fascinated with this orange wine, made primarily from Greek indigenous white grape Debina and a small amount of red Vlahiko. The color resembles tea or cognac in the glass. Aromas of apple, cinnamon, and clove enrich the nose, while cherry, apple and butter notes flavor the finish in a cascade of refreshing bubbles. This will accompany a variety of appetizers, from fried foods to foie gras.
Regularly: $17.99
Mills Club: $16.19
Case Price: $14.39
Nortico 2015 Alvarinho, Minho, Portugal (Geoff)
If you love Albarino from Spain you should consider trying those from Portugal as well. This wonderful example offers apple and pear fruits and bright acidity balanced by a creamy texture. This wine pairs nicely with seafood dishes and dishes with vinaigrette dressings.
Regularly: $14.99
Mills Club: $13.49
Case Price: $11.99
Famille Perrin 2016 Reserve Cotes du Rhone Blanc, Rhone, France (Pat D.)
The Perrin family is also responsible for making some of the best Chateauneuf-du-Pape available thru Chateau Beaucastel. They apply the same winemaking principles to this white table wine, made from Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier grapes. This fresh, aromatic white features notes of melon, lemon, quince and white currants. Crisp and medium-bodied, it will pair well with rockfish, grilled fish and Mediterranean dishes.
Regular Price: $12.99
Mills Club $11.69
Case Price $10.39
Cap L’Ousteau 2014 Haut Medoc Grande Reserve, Bordeaux, France (Tim)
The vines for this wine are grown in the village of Lamarque, an area between Margaux and St.-Julien in Bordeaux. This is the second wine of Chateau du Cartillon, comprised of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot matured in barrel for about 12 months.. Medium-bodied with juicy dark fruits, black currant notes and a touch of smoke, it will nicely accompany lamb kebabs or grilled steak.
Regular Price: $29.99
Mills Club: $26.99
Case Price: $23.99
Corte Majoli 2014 Valpolicella Ripasso, Veneto, Italy (Jen & Jerry)
We loved this delicious new blend of 65% Corvina, 30% Rondinella and 5% Molinara from Corte Majoli. Black cherry, clove, leather and toasty oak notes are prevalent on this full-bodied, savory and satisfying wine. Fermented on Amarone lees, the wine is then aged for 12 months in oak and six months in bottle before release. Ripasso means “repassed” and refers to this method of refermenting the wine on the unpressed skins of Amarone after they have finished their spring fermentation, adding flavor and texture. Enjoy with pizza or grilled burgers.
Regular Price: $21.99
Mills Club: $19.79
Case Price: $17.59
Karas Dyutich Sweet Sparkling, Armenia (Jessica)
Looking for the perfect dessert pairing for cheesecake, lemon meringue, or fruit pies? Karas Dyutich is made from Muscat, grown in the Armavir region of Armenia, situated in the valley between Mount Aragats and Mount Ararat. This Sparkling wine boasts heady floral aromas, a beautiful creamy texture, and cascading notes of fresh fruit and peach on the palate. Armenia has a rich winemaking culture, dating back 6000 years.
Regular Price: $14.99
Mills Club: $13.49
Case Price: $11.99
Enjoy a delicious Vinho Verde that will serve as the perfect summertime aperitif, an affordable Malbec that will make your grilled steak sing, and (gulp), some new CANNED WINES, including a dry Rose and a bold spicy Zinfandel.
You will love these wines from the Winery at Olney; sun-kissed and perfect for a hot summer day, you’ll taste the Blackberry, Peach, Green Apple, and Beach Breeze Sangria. Save 10% if you decide to purchase any of the wines from this complimentary tasting.
Join us in tasting excellent New York wines, from a dry Rose, an off-dry Riesling and a show-stopping super food friendly Gewurztraminer- a must try!
Join us for our popular monthly “Staff Picks” Wine tastings, where we showcase our 12 top picks each month, sampling 6 on the first Saturday of the month and the other 6 on the first Sunday. The picks are carefully selected to represent great value for the price, and to pair with seasonally available food. This is a complimentary tasting, no reservations required!
August Staff Picks
Tasting Saturday 2pm-6pm
Fire Road 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand (Andres)
A swift and destructive fire threatened the wine town of Blenheim in Marlborough on December 26, 2000. 15,000 acres were destroyed, but not the spirit of the resilient residents who fought with buckets and carts in the area that will now always be known as Fire Road. Tropical fruit aromas of melon and fresh guava abound in this refreshingly light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc. Zingy with flavors of passionfruit and grapefruit, this would pair well with seafood or chicken dishes, as well as salads dressed in vinaigrette dressing.
Regularly: $15.99
Mills Club: $14.39
Case Price: $12.799
Pascal Bonhomme 2015 Vire Clesse, Burgundy, France (Tim)
Try this recently arrived Chardonnay from a tiny estate (2.5 hectares in total)in South Burgundy, where a majority of their small production is literally sold immediately outside their cellar door! Average vine age is 35 years old, all grapes are hand harvested and the wine is completely fermented and aged in stainless steel. An incredible value, this fresh, clean minerally effort displays a lovely, delicate leesy component.
Regularly: $22.99
Mills Club: $20.69
Case: $18.39
Shooting Star “Scarlet” Lake County Red, California (Aron)
Try this delicious non-vintage kitchen sink blend (Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Pinot Noir all figure into the mix) from Jed Steele (formerly winemaker at Edmeades and Kendall Jackson). Aging takes place in American oak, Hungarian and French barrels from anywhere from 8-18 months. The wine features lively cherry, dark berry, and cocoa notes. The name Scarlet is a nod to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel The Scarlet Letter, in a reference to the wines sinful delciousness.
Regular Price: $13.99
Mills Club: $12.59
Case Price: $11.19
Corvidae 2014 “The Rook” Merlot, Columbia Valley, Washington (Pat D.)
Corvidae is the Latin name for the family of birds that includes the Crow, Raven, Jay and Magpie that inhabit the vineyards of Eastern Washington. This wine is a wonderful example of cooler climate, higher elevation Merlot grown in Columbia Valley, the grapes harvested from two vineyards in Yakima Valley. Aging in neutral French oak keeps the fruit bright; red and black fruits, sarsparilla, cinnamon and tobacco notes feature into a velvety rich finish with finely grained tannins. Pair with grilled burgers or steaks.
Regular Price: $17.99
Mills Club: $16.19
Case Price: $14.39
Karl Kaspar Riesling Kabinett, Mosel, Germany (Geoff)
This wine is a blend of 45% Spatlese from the middle Mosel and 55% Kabinett from the lower Mosel, the Spatlese grapes adding a richness not typical of a traditional Kabinett. The result is an off-dry Riesling with intense mineral and floral aromas, the finish a balance of sweetness and crisp acidity. Great sushi pairing!
Regularly: $13.99
Mills Club: $12.59
Case Price: $11.19
Warre’s White Port, Douro, Portugal (Geoff)
A blend of Arinto, Codega, Malvasia Fina, Rabigato and Viosinho. grapes are aged in oak casks for an average of 3 years before bottling. This is a great aummer aperitif or served with tonic water and a slice of lemon as the Portuguese do! Rated 91pts Wine Spectator, “This is luscious and creamy, with concentrated flavors of baked apple, vanilla, pear and almond tart that features loads of spicy notes. Honey and crème brulee accents linger on the long finish.”
Regularly: $16.99
Mills Club : $15.29
Case Price: $13.59
Sunday 1-4pm
Bagrationi Rouge NonVintage, Republic of Georgia (Pat Darr)
Rich aromas of raspberries and strawberries waft from this full-bodied, juicy and refreshing sparkling wine with abundant bubbles. Made from indigenous Georgian varietals Saperavi, Chinebuli, Mtsvane and Tsitska it is produced using the Charmat method. This wine is semi-sweet, and can be paired with fruit pies or tarts or ice cream but would also pair well with chicken or ribs with a smoky-sweet barbecue sauce!
Regularly: $16.99
Mills Club: $15.29
Case Price: $13.59
Dodon 2015 Chardonnay, Anne Arundel County, Maryland (Jess)
Yes Maryland is making quality, highly enjoyable wines, and this Chardonnay demonstrates the level of wine this area is capable of producing! Dodon is located 14 miles from here, in the rural community of Davidsonville. Oak fermented and aged, this offers fresh, creamy texture and cascading layers of complex apple, peach, wheat and citrus flavors, which are followed by a long, mineral finish. Enjoy with foie gras, crab or veal chops!
Regularly: $29.99
Mills Club: $26.99
Case Price: $23.99
Chevreau “Les Terres Blanche” Sancerre, Loire Valley, France (Jen & Jerry)
Nicolas Chevreau created this Sauvignon Blanc from two parcels (Epsailles and Cote de Reigny), both located on very steep slopes with soil comprised of marneux lime/clay. Elegantly ripe, fresh flavors are balanced with salinity, acidity, and a long finish. This wine would benefit from a pairing with grilled garlic toast spread with fresh chevre, a plate of salty oysters, or fresh fish prepared with a lemon-based sauce.
Regular Price: $26.99
Mills Club $24.29
Case Price $21.59
Domaine de Fontsainte 2016 Gris de Gris Rose, Corbieres, France (Jess)
A dry Rose made from 50% Grenache Gris, 20% Grenache Noir, 20% Carignan and 5% each Cinsault and Mourvedre, all hand harvested and made in the saignee method. This wine is delicate and lively, with light strawberry fruit notes and a hint of Southern France garrigue. The first vineyards at Fontsainte were planted by the Romans, and some of the ancient artifacts found in the vineyard include a coin dating to the time of March Agrippa in 25 AD. Imported by Kermit Lynch, we find this wine to be a tremendous value.
Regular Price: $15.99
Mills Club: $14.39
Case Price: $12.79
Aupa 2016 Pipeno, Chile (Jen and Jerry)
This dry, light bodied red is made from primarily Pais, a sacramental grape traced back to the Canary Islands and the first grape to be planted in the Americas. Light red in color and bright with crushed raspberry fruit, wild strawberry and rose petals with hints of dried herbs, mint, fennel and thyme, this wine has fresh acidity and low tannins. The perfect August red wine, throw this in the chill box for 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy chilled with a selection of cheeses, or with lighter dishes such as chicken or pork.
Regular Price: $14.99
Mills Club: $13.49
Case Price: $11.99
Left Coast Cellars 2014 Cali’s Cuvee Pinot Noir, Oregon (Tim)
It can be difficult to find delicious Oregon Pinot Noir at a reasonable price, but this bottle fits the bill. Named for the family’s left-handed daughter Cali, this wine features notes of plum, blackberries and mossy forest floor. Rated 91pts Wine Enthusiast and “Editor’s Choice”, “A splendid example of affordable Oregon Pinot, this benefits from a great vintage for forward, fruit-driven wines. It has additional assets: balance, texture and length, all compact in a young wine still in its infancy.” Try this with grilled chicken or salmon.
Regular Price: $21.99
Mills Club: $19.79
Case Price: $17.59
Join us for our popular monthly “Staff Picks” Wine tastings, where we showcase our 12 top picks each month, sampling 6 on the first Saturday of the month and the other 6 on the first Sunday. The picks are carefully selected to represent great value for the price, and to pair with seasonally available food. This is a complimentary tasting, no reservations required!
Sunday 1-4pm
Bagrationi Rouge NonVintage, Republic of Georgia (Pat Darr)
Rich aromas of raspberries and strawberries waft from this full-bodied, juicy and refreshing sparkling wine with abundant bubbles. Made from indigenous Georgian varietals Saperavi, Chinebuli, Mtsvane and Tsitska it is produced using the Charmat method. This wine is semi-sweet, and can be paired with fruit pies or tarts or ice cream but would also pair well with chicken or ribs with a smoky-sweet barbecue sauce!
Regularly: $16.99
Mills Club: $15.29
Case Price: $13.59
Dodon 2015 Chardonnay, Anne Arundel County, Maryland (Jess)
Yes Maryland is making quality, highly enjoyable wines, and this Chardonnay demonstrates the level of wine this area is capable of producing! Dodon is located 14 miles from here, in the rural community of Davidsonville. Oak fermented and aged, this offers fresh, creamy texture and cascading layers of complex apple, peach, wheat and citrus flavors, which are followed by a long, mineral finish. Enjoy with foie gras, crab or veal chops!
Regularly: $29.99
Mills Club: $26.99
Case Price: $23.99
Chevreau “Les Terres Blanche” Sancerre, Loire Valley, France (Jen & Jerry)
Nicolas Chevreau created this Sauvignon Blanc from two parcels (Epsailles and Cote de Reigny), both located on very steep slopes with soil comprised of marneux lime/clay. Elegantly ripe, fresh flavors are balanced with salinity, acidity, and a long finish. This wine would benefit from a pairing with grilled garlic toast spread with fresh chevre, a plate of salty oysters, or fresh fish prepared with a lemon-based sauce.
Regular Price: $26.99
Mills Club $24.29
Case Price $21.59
Domaine de Fontsainte 2016 Gris de Gris Rose, Corbieres, France (Jess)
A dry Rose made from 50% Grenache Gris, 20% Grenache Noir, 20% Carignan and 5% each Cinsault and Mourvedre, all hand harvested and made in the saignee method. This wine is delicate and lively, with light strawberry fruit notes and a hint of Southern France garrigue. The first vineyards at Fontsainte were planted by the Romans, and some of the ancient artifacts found in the vineyard include a coin dating to the time of March Agrippa in 25 AD. Imported by Kermit Lynch, we find this wine to be a tremendous value.
Regular Price: $15.99
Mills Club: $14.39
Case Price: $12.79
Aupa 2016 Pipeno, Chile (Jen and Jerry)
This dry, light bodied red is made from primarily Pais, a sacramental grape traced back to the Canary Islands and the first grape to be planted in the Americas. Light red in color and bright with crushed raspberry fruit, wild strawberry and rose petals with hints of dried herbs, mint, fennel and thyme, this wine has fresh acidity and low tannins. The perfect August red wine, throw this in the chill box for 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy chilled with a selection of cheeses, or with lighter dishes such as chicken or pork.
Regular Price: $14.99
Mills Club: $13.49
Case Price: $11.99
Left Coast Cellars 2014 Cali’s Cuvee Pinot Noir, Oregon (Tim)
It can be difficult to find delicious Oregon Pinot Noir at a reasonable price, but this bottle fits the bill. Named for the family’s left-handed daughter Cali, this wine features notes of plum, blackberries and mossy forest floor. Rated 91pts Wine Enthusiast and “Editor’s Choice”, “A splendid example of affordable Oregon Pinot, this benefits from a great vintage for forward, fruit-driven wines. It has additional assets: balance, texture and length, all compact in a young wine still in its infancy.” Try this with grilled chicken or salmon.
Regular Price: $21.99
Mills Club: $19.79
Case Price: $17.59
Taste award-winning wines by Crow Vineyards of Maryland!
