NV Slack Pink Shoals Sparkling Wine
Reg. Price: $22.99
This brut rose sparkling wine made from 80% Merlot, 15% Cab Franc, 5% Cab Sauvignon is salmon pink in the glass and delicious to sip or to pair with a variety of foods as it has nice body.
NV Slack Rocky Shoals Sparkling Red Wine
Reg. Price: $22.99
Anchor Sale Price: $18.39 (20% off)
This lightly sweet, red sparkling wine made from Merlot (60%), Cab Franc (20%), and Chambourcin (20%) won a Silver Medal at the 2013 Maryland Winemasters Choice competition in which Maryland winemakers rate their colleagues Maryland wines in a blind tasting format. Here is Slack Winery’s story about this wine’s name:
“How did we get the name Rocky Shoals? ….Just south of Woodlawn Farm [location of Slack Winery’s tasting room and bed and breakfast] is Point Lookout, a promontory of land-meets-sea known for its rocky shoals. Twenty-five years ago, our friend Giles Gerard sailed a daring personal mission in his wooden craft boat, Mon Coquin, arriving safely in America from Paris before crashing unexpectedly on the rocky shoals at Point Lookout. This sparkling red honors the courage of Frenchmen like Giles who sail independently and fearlessly to a new land, then serve as selfless ambassadors to teach the rest of the world about terroir, fois gras, specialty herbs and red wines. Rocky Shoals also pays tribute to the extraordinary wine maker Eric Fry, who taught us to make red wines in the classic Bordeaux style, yet encouraged our unbridled experimentation elsewhere.”
2010 Slack Tide Blanc
This dry white blend of 30% Viognier, 40% Traminette, 20% Chardonel, and 10% Petit Manseng is medium in body and full of pure fruit flavors. This wine matches especially well with crab cakes and other local seafood.
Reg. Price: $15.99
2012 Slack Red Drum Red
Reg. Price: $26.99
This new release from Slack is a dry red blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Petit Verdot, two grapes that grow extremely well in the gravelley soils and warm weather climate of southern Maryland. This medium-bodied red is Chianti-like in style with a nice balance of red fruit, low tannins, and good acidity to pair with a variety of foods or to simply sip with appetizers or cheeses at the start of an evening. This is a great summertime red wine!
Hiro Junmai Sake and Hiro Junmai Ginjo Sake are two premium sakes using specially polished rice from the Murakami plain in the Niigata Region of Japan. These sakes have garnered rave reviews from Wine Spectator and were both awarded the Chairman’s Trophy at the 2013 Ultimate Wine Challenge.
August Staff Wine Picks, Part One:
2012 Sincerite Sauvignon Blanc, Vin de Pays de Loire, France (Mary) “This medium-bodied, 100% Sauvignon Blanc from a wonderful, five-generation family winery in Sancerre is scrumptious. It is fruit-forward in style compared to most Loire Valley whites and very refreshing. I have not tasted such a delicious Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc at this price point in a long time—a real winner!” $10.99 Regular Price/$9.89 Mills Club Price
2010 Bouchaine Estate Vineyard Chardonnay, Carneros, Napa Valley (Amy) Winemaker’s Notes, “The chilly 2010 vintage produced a beautiful, pale golden wine. Crisp green apple, limoncello, and pear fruit notes form the central fruit core. These are followed by a touch of vanilla, ginger and butterscotch – a perfect marriage of bright acidity with rich flavor. The hallmark Bouchaine sueded texture persists in a longlasting finish.” $27.99 Regular Price /$25.19 Mills Club Price
2012 Saracco Moscato d’Asti, Italy (Mike) “Hands down the best Moscato I have ever tried, you can definitely taste the superb quality in this sweet and perfumey wine. 90 points from the Wine Advocate.” $17.99 Regular Price /$16.19 Mills Club Price
2012 Diofili Rose, Siatista, Greece (Amy) “The DioFili dry Rose wine is my new favorite drink to imbibe at BBQs or simply to enjoy by itself. It’s a medium bodied rose, full of lively berry flavors and balanced acidity. Have you ever tried Xinomavro or Moschomavro grapes? Expand your palette and widen your horizon with this delicious Greek wine.” $13.99 Regular Price /$12.59 Mills Club Price
2010 Planeta Cerasuolo di Vittoria, Sicily, Italy (Mary) “This delightful, dry red blend of 60% Nero d’Avola and 40% Frappato, two of Sicily’s indigenous grapes, is full of red berry flavors, especially cherry, that are very vibrant thanks to stainless steel aging. I hope every Pinot Noir and Merlot wine drinker will “branch out” and try this medium-bodied red that is a pure expression of the Vittoria region’s special terroir in Sicily. Enjoy as a red wine aperitif or with light-to-medium bodied meals from seafood to pasta. Salute (“Cheers”)! ” $25.99 Regular Price /$23.39 Mills Club Price
2011 Cryptic Red, California (Pat) “A terrific blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah that delivers a lot of cherry berry flavors and nose. Great for summertime barbeques.” $15.99 Regular Price /$14.39 Mills Club Pri
2012 Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio, Italy (Mike) “This is a classic Pinot Grigio and an old Mills favorite. Just great fruit and a wonderful bouquet. This is also a great value compared to other leading brands.” $15.99 Regular Price /$14.39 Mills Club Price
2012 Domaine Skouras Moscofilero, Peloponnese, Greece (Jen and Jerry) “This is my favorite wine this summer. The nose is incredibly fragrant, subtly and elegantly floral. Dry, light bodied and crisp. I like to enjoy this wine out of a Bordeaux glass so I can fully enjoy the aroma, the nose is that good! I love this wine, paired with a steamed white fish, a tomato and basil appetizer, or a salad topped with feta cheese. $19.99 Regular Price /$17.99 Mills Club Price
2011 McManis Family Vineyards Chardonnay, California (Pat) “Great value opportunity to drink a refreshing crisp Chardonnay. Abundant fruit and good structure deliver pleasure in an uncomplicated package.” $13.99 Regular Price /$12.59 Mills Club Price
2012 Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling, Washington State (Robert) “This is a great example of what riesling can be when it’s not overly sweet. Crisp, and tart, this will pair with spicy foods and make it a perfect summer treat.” $16.99 Regular Price /$15.29 Mills Club Price
2010 Reserve Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone Red, France (Robert) “Rich and dark, this will pair well with steak, pork, or veal dishes. The Rhone blend of syrah, grenache, and mourvedre is rich in fruit but smooth and leaves a lasting finish.” $14.99 Regular Price /$13.49 Mills Club Price
2011 Convento Las Claras Tempranillo, Ribera Del Duero, Spain (Jen and Jerry) From Wine Advocate, “Another knock-out offering from a winery founded in 2010, with some vineyards dating back to 1900, the 2011 Las Claras was aged in French oak, most of it new, for eight months prior to bottling. This fabulous bargain over-delivers in every sense. Its dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by abundant notes of lead pencil shavings, white chocolate, espresso roast and creme de cassis. This modern-styled Spanish, super-rich, intense red takes ripeness to the limit.” 93 Points The Wine Advocate Well, we couldn’t agree more! And, it’s on our Anchor Sale! Regular Price $21.99/Anchor Sale Price $17.59
We are welcoming USNA Class of 2017 Parents to Annapolis with this complimentary tasting of Boordy wines, Elk Run, and beers from Shipyard Brewing Company.
Far Eastern Shore Winery will pour their refreshing, lightly sweet (1.8% residual sugar) Swan series of wines made with fruit juices on a wine base. For example, the Summer Swan Blanc is a blend of peach and apricot juices on a Chardonnay wine base. The Far Eastern Shore Winery will pour the following wines at Mills:
(All the wines are $15.99/bottle regular price ($14.39/bottle Mills Club price), or $12.79/bottle by the case (mixed case is fine).)
Summer Swan Blanc: White wine made with white cranberry juice on a Pinot Gris base.
Autumn Swan Blanc: White wine made with peach and apricot juices on a Chardonnay base.
Swan’s Blush: Blush wine made with strawberry juice on a White Merlot base.
Ruby Swan Rouge: Red wine made with pomegranate juice on a Red Zinfandel base.
Wild Swan Rouge: Red wine made with wild berry juice on a Shiraz base.
Black Swan Rouge: Red wine made with blackberry juice on a Cabernet Sauvignon base.
Emirates Team New Zealand looks set to win the Louis Vuitton Cup and earn the right to face Oracle Team USA in the America’s Cup Finals next month. We will preview this much anticipated match up through wine by lining up two New Zealand wines versus two California wines (of course, wines from Dry Creek Vineyards—the “Wine for Sailors”!). Come taste and decide the winners. As a bonus, the wine expert pouring on Saturday is just back from sailing in San Francisco Bay and watching the Louis Vuitton Cup.
Saturday’s Wines:
2012 Manu Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand
2012 Dry Creek Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, California
2010 Babich Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand
2011 Dry Creek Heritage Clone Zinfandel, California
Old Westminster is a family owned Maryland winery which recently debuted their delicious, impressive wines in June. Washington Post writer Dave McIntyre selected their Cabernet Franc as one of five “All-American Wines to Try” in his July 2, 2013 column.
Come discover our favorite “value wines” from South Africa, a country with a rich tradition of wine making and some of the most beautiful vineyards in the world—please click here to see the wines we will be pouring on Saturday (all in the $10-23 range).
White Wine
2012 Goats du Roam White, Paarl (blend of 58% Viognier, 33% Roussane, 9% Grenache Blanc)
Winemaker’s Notes: “A light, bright wine with tropical fruit & floral notes on the nose. Light peach with pear drops on the rich palate which is well-balanced with fruit-driven freshness and zesty acidity. Pair with cream-based seafood dishes.”
Reg. Price: $9.99/Mills Club Price: $8.99/Case Price: $7.99
2012 Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc, Walker Bay
Southern Right is a small winery named after the Southern Right whales (picoted on the label) that frequent Walker Bay a few miles from the vineyard. Each year, Southern Right’s Sauvignon Blanc is a best seller in South Africa and internationally. The Mills team tasted the 2012 vintage a few weeks ago and loved its vibrant flavors of citrus fruits and minerals. This Sauvignon Blanc was rate 90 points by Stephen Tanzer, who aptly summarized the wine as “a real wake-up call to the palate.”
Reg. Price: $16.99/Mills Club Price: $15.29/Case Price: $14.59
Red Wines
2011 Fairview Pinotage, Paarl
This medium-bodied red from Fairview, a historic winery founded in 1693 (!), is made from South Africa’s Pinotage grape, a crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault created in the 1920s. The wine is full of dark fruit aromas and flavors with a touch of spice and coffee—a great expression of the PInotage grape.
Reg. Price: $15.99/Mills Club Price: $14.39/Case Price: $12.79
2010 Essay Shiraz Blend, Western Cape (Blend of 87% Shiraz, 6% Cinsault, 6% Mourvedre, 1% Viognier)
Winery Notes: “This is a medium-bodied red wine with an expressive nose and a soft, lush mouth-feel. The Shiraz and Cinsault combine to give ripe plum cherry fruit on the palate with a touch of pepper spice. Mourvèdre adds complexity with savoury and dark fruit aromas. The Viognier adds softness and intriguing floral notes. This is a modern-styled Cape wine that will complement a wide range of foods.”
Reg. Price: $10.99/Mills Club Price: $9.89/Case Price: $8.79
2010 Rust en Vrede Merlot, Stellenbosch
This smooth, full-bodied Merlot comes from Rust en Vrede, the first winery in South Africa to make only red wines and considered one of the top wine estates in the country. This wine offers lots of plum and red fruit flavors along with some subtle spicy oak notes on the finish (aged 14 months in French oak). Enjoy this versatile red with your favorite meals.
Reg. Price: $23.99/Mills Club Price: $21.59/Case Price: $19.19
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.