Prepare for New Years’ by sampling a variety of Champagne and Sparkling wines from around the World! Enjoy special discounts on the sample wines!
Sip a Claret and Bordeaux Blanc to kick off Season 5 of the Downton Abbey series! 
Saturday’s Tasting:
2012 King Estate Signature Collection Pinot Gris, Eugene, Oregon (Pat)
Winemaker’s Notes, “This beautiful light straw and emerald wine has aromas of raspberry, grapefruit, honey dew melon, lime zest, floral notes, and a hint of honey. The lemon-lime, green apple, white peach, pineapple and a hint of spice flavors lead to a viscous mouthfeel, crisp acidity, and a balanced finish.. Pair with chicken or pork.
Regular Price: $18.99
Mills Club: $17.09
Case Price: $15.19
2011 Christian Moreau Pere & Fils Chablis, Burgundy, France (Jen)
A light, crisp Chablis with citrus and floral notes, I will happily drink this with my butternut squash soup, cream of crab soup, or sautéed sole with caper lemon sauce. I can taste it already! If you like California Chardonnay and are looking for something new give this a try to change things up. Rated 91 points by Antonio Galloni, too.
Regularly: $27.99
Mills Club: $25.19
Case Price: $22.39
2007 Domaine Grand Veneur Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France (Jen)
A great “curl-up-in-front-of-the-fire” winter warmer comprised of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvedre from 65 Year Old Vines, rated 91 points by Robert Parker, full bodied with graphite, blackberry and cassis notes and velvety tannins. A very elegant gift or special occasion wine!
Regularly: $42.99
Mills Club: $38.69
Case Price: $34.39
2011 Plungerhead Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi, California (Jerry)
A great affordable, zesty Zinfandel with spicy pepper notes. Enjoy with a steak.
Regular Price: $19.99
Mills Club: $17.99
Case Price: $15.99
2010 Rubus Barossa, South Australia, Australia (Ryan)
A blend of 98% Shiraz, 2% Viognier, “Polished, supple, and juicy, with red berry, black cherry, licorice, and white pepper flavors, persisting nicely on the refined finish. Drink now through 2017.” 90 Points Wine Spectator.
Regular Price: $15.99
Mills Club: $14.39
Case Price: $12.79
2011 Justin Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, California (Pat)
Winemaker’s Notes, “”An attractive mix of red and black cherry with blackcurrant, cinnamon, cocoa, cedar and purple flowers. Palate: Medium body, with a complex mix of red and black fruit of cherries and currants, with cinnamon, a little cocoa, and classic cabernet varietal components with an unforgettable hint of violet in the background. The finish is long and crisp with red cherry, mineral and subtle floral components balanced by soft, medium tannins making this an elegant and versatile pairing wine that would be equally at home with Chateaubriand as it would with a burger or even pasta with a red sauce.”
Regular Price: $25.99
Mills Club: $23.39
Case Price: $20.79
Sunday’s Tasting:
2009 Hansen-Lauer Brut Riesling, Mosel, Germany (Ryan)
This is a Wine Enthusiast Editor’s Choice Winner, 91+points. This100% Riesling is bottle fermented and stayed on the lees for 12 months, yielding tiny bubbles with good fruit and a fine minerality. A great dry sparkling to celebrate from the third generation winemaker of the Hansen family in Bernkastel-Kues overlooking the beautiful Mosel River.
Regularly: $19.99
Mills Club: $17.99
Case Price: $15.99
2012 Riebeek Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Swartland, South Africa (Amy)
This Sauvignon Blanc is named after Commander Jan van Riebek who discovered the fertile vista of the Riebeek Valley. Riebeek is made in a definite herbaceous style that offers tropical undertones of gooseberries that add fruit to the palate. Well balanced with zesty acids which makes for a fresh and crisp glassful everytime.
Regularly: $10.00
Mills Club: $9.00
Case Price: $8.00
2011 Catena Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina (Amy)
The Catena Malbec presents a deep violet color with purple reflections. This microclimate blend of four unique vineyards offers intense aromas, soft texture, and concentrated flavor. Enjoy with a ribeye, New York steak or simply by itself. Cin Cin! 91 Points Wine Spectator.
Regular Price: $25.99
Mills Club: $23.39
Case Price: $20.79
2009 Concannon Conservancy Petite Sirah, Livermore Valley, California (Mike)
Not your typical overly dark, brooding, tannic Petite Sirah, this wine provides great berry fruit flavor and a silky finish. Try this with some chunky beef stew or a hearty steak, or pair with some aged cheeses and charcuterie. At this price, “Best Buy” material!
Regularly: $12.99
Mills Club: $11.69
Case Price: $10.39
2010 Montebuena Rioja, Spain (Jerry)
A value powerhouse from our $10 wine rack, this 100% Tempranillo from Rioja is a great everyday table wine or party wine. Rated 90 points by International Wine Cellars, this wine boasts ripe cherry and black currant notes and a very smooth finish. Consider decanting for an hour before drinking.
Regular Price: $10.00
Mills Club: $9.00
Case Price: $8.00
W. & J. Graham’s “Six Grapes” Reserve Porto, Portugal (Mike)
Sweet genius! Winemaker’s Notes, “Six Grapes has a seductive, rich aroma of ripe plums, cherries and dark chocolate notes. On the palate it’s complex with an excellent structure and a long, lingering finish…this is a very full-bodied, luscious wine drawn from the same vineyards as Graham’s Vintage Ports.” This can keep in a cool dark place after opening for up to two months!
Regularly: $27.99
Mills Club: $25.19
Case Price: $22.39
Try some of our favorite red blends and participate in our “Guess the Blend” contest!
In the spirit of competition, we will pose Washington State Wines against Breckenridge Bourbon. Decide which you’d like to taste!
February Staff Picks Wine Tasting, Part I. Prices are indicated by regular price/Mills Club Price:
Saturday:
2012 Cantina Del Taburno Falanghina Del Sannio $18.99/$17.09
2012 Willm Riesling $12.99/$11.69
2011 Altano Douro $10.99/$9.89
2010 Norton Malbec Reserva $19.99/$17.99
2009 El Coto Rioja $15.99/$14.39
Zeni Marogne Valpolicella Ripasso $17.99/$16.19
Sunday:
Villa Jolanda Prosecco “I Love You” Bottle $11.99/$10.79
2012 Castel de Raimat Albarino $10/$9.00
2010 Melini Riserva Chianti $12.99/$11.69
2010 Bogle Old Vine Essential Red $15.99/$14.39
2011 Bodegas Breca Garnacha $17.99/$16.19
Mcnab Ridge Allure Chocolate Wine $19.99/$17.99