Check out our monthly “Staff Picks” wines, where we choose 12 of our current favorite wines, specially chosen to pair well with seasonal dishes and that present good value for the price. Save 10% on any purchases, or put together a mixed-or-matched case of 12 bottles for a 20% discount.
September Staff Picks
Saverio Faro Grillo, Sicily, Italy (Tim)
Sicilian white wines typically present great value, and this wine is no exception. Grillo is the grape in this fresh, crisp white wine with citrus fruit and mineral tones and lots of acidity. This would be a great alternative to Sauvignon Blanc. Enjoy this as Sicilians do with freshly prepared seafood or a simple pasta preparation tossed with roasted eggplant and olive oil.
$13.99
Mills Club $12.59
Case Price $11.19
Zenato 2023 San Benedetto Lugana, Italy (Pat)
Zenato is a historic estate with 95 hectares of vineyards in Lugana and in Valpolicella’s classic zone. Made from Trebbiano di Lugana grown between Peschiera and Desenzano on the southern shores of Lake Garda, this rich white wine sees only stainless steel. Full-bodied and complex with notes of apple, pear and vanilla, this is excellent as an aperitif or paired with creamy pasta. Super long finish!
$19.99
Mills Club $17.99
Case Price $15.99
Schaller 2022 Bourgogne Blanc, Burgundy, France (Jen)
Laurent Schaller and his son Camille Schaller cultivate 18 hectares of vines, mostly in Chablis. This is their Bourgogne Blanc, made from 100% Chardonnay fermented and aged in stainless steel from vineyards just outside the Chablis AOC in Auxerre. We were wowed by the freshness of this wine, bright with green apple and mineral notes and an appealing acidity, excellent to pair with seafood, oysters, crab, or lobster.
$26.99
Mills Club: $24.29
Case Price: $21.59
Ancient Oak 2019 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, California (Aron)
This is a project led by famed winemaker Greg LaFollette, who specializes in small-production, handmade wines. Ancient Oak faced devastating loss in the 2019 Tubbs Fire and had to completely replant the vineyards, rebuild their home, barns and repurchase all equipment. They are still in the rebuilding process but their absolute first priority was replanting the vines – after the debris was cleared they lived in campers while bringing the vineyard back to life. This example of their pre-fire work is a French oak barrel-fermented luxurious Chardonnay showing pear, peach, cashews, brioche and marzipan cream notes with a rich mouthfeel. This would be a wonderful match with grilled salmon, scallops or roast chicken.
$44.99
Mills Club: $40.49
Case Price: $35.99
G.D. Vajra 2023 Moscato d’Asti, Italy (Andres)
Aldo and Milena Vajra along with their three children Giuseppe, Francesca, and Isidoro run this historic operation currently. They are heralded Nebbiolo producers, known for their lovely Barolo and Langhe versions, but there is a wine for every occasion. This frizzante, lower alcohol wine with natural sweetness and a floral backbone is an ideal wine for a special luncheon or served alongside a lemon meringue, rhubarb, peach or apple pie.
$24.99
Mills Club $22.49
Case $19.99
Inazio Urruzola Txakolina Rosè, Spain (Jerry)
We’ve carried both the white and Rosè from this Basque estate. From the wine growing region of Txakolina, this Rosè is made from 50% each indigenous grapes HondarrAbi Zuri and HandarrAbi Beltza, a thirst-quenching wine showing fresh strawberry and crispy, crunchy mineral notes, an excellent pairing with seafood, shellfish or salads.
$20.99
Mills Club: $18.89
Case Price: $16.79
Michael Gindl Michi’s Farm Amber Wine Blend, Austria (Jerry)
From the Weinviertel region of Austria, this natural orange wine is crafted from Gruner Veltliner, Silvaner, Welchriesling and Chardonnay grapes. Michael Gindl, an up-and-coming star on the Austrian winemaking scene, took over the family estate when he was just 20 years old in 2002. He tends to 30 Scottish Highland cattle that provide all the manure needed to fertilize his vines, while 20 Breton dwarf sheep graze the property. This example of his work displays pretty orange blossom, papaya and lemon rind notes, the perfect wine for a late summer picnic or paired with fish or spicy Thai or Vietnamese food.
$25.99
Mills Club: $23.39
Case Price: $20.79 ORGANIC and BIODYNAMIC
Cesari 2020 Justo, Veneto, Italy (Aron)
Back in stock after a prolonged absence, this blend of Corvina and Merlot by Amarone producer Gerardo Cesari is made in the “appassimento” style, meaning the grapes are dried for about 20 days (the “just right” or “justo” amount of time) before fermentation. Loaded with ripe cherry fruit notes and a smooth, velvety mouthfeel, this wine would pair nicely with Sopressa, the Veneto’s most prized salami and an aged Asiago cheese, or grilled or stewed meats.
$10.00
Mills Club: $9.00
Case Price: $8.00
Contrade 2022 Negroamaro, Puglia, Italy (Jen)
Masseria li Veli is a historic cellar in the Puglia region, where a small group of local farmers pool their grapes from 85 acres of vineyards to make this delightful, great-value red. Negroamaro (translates to “black bitter”) is an indigenous grape of Puglia, with an almost-black peel color and resistance to drought, which is important in the warm, sometimes parched Mediterranean climate of the peninsula. Notes of cherry and blueberry jam, cocoa, round with warming structure and smooth tannins make this a nice pairing with pasta tossed with roasted meat, or an aged Pecorino cheese.
$10.99
Mills Club Price: $9.89
Case Price: $8.79
Château Carbonneau 2022 Pur Jus, Bordeaux, France (Tim)
Chateau Carbonneau is a 4th generation, family-run estate located 25 minutes east of Saint-Emilion. This red named “Pur Jus”(Pure Juice!) is a combination of 90% Merlot and 10% Malbec, displaying aromas of violets and spice while pretty cherry fruit notes delight the palate. Medium-bodied and well-balanced, this can be paired with pizza, risotto with mushrooms, or barbecue.
$14.99
Mills Club Price: $13.49
Case Price: $11.99
Monte Volpe Lot 15 Primo Rosso, Mendocino County, California (Andres)
At first glance, one might think this robust red hails from Italy, but this Mendocino blend is only Italian in name: Monte Volpe (translates to mountain fox) Primo Rosso (first red). This is comprised of Zinfandel, Primitivo, Carignan, Petite Sirah and Syrah, aged an average of 48 months in oak. Exhibiting rich, full flavors of blackberry jam, plum, spice and earth with a hefty dose of toasty oak, this is a nice bonfire sipper as we slip into the fall season, or could be a great pairing with barbecued or smoked meats.
$10.00
Mills Club: $9.00
Case Price: $8.00
Michael Broadbent’s 2021 “Architect” Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, California (Pat)
The Broadbent name may be more commonly associated with Port wines, but in 1996 Bartholomew Broadbent launched Broadbent Selections, a line of wines from family-owned vineyards around the World. Bartholomew named this wine “Architect” for his father Michael, who trained as an architect before turning his attention to wine, eventually becoming a Master of Wine. This is a medium-bodied Cab, comprised of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petite Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc and Merlot, and 3% Malbec aged in large oak barrels. Showing dark berry fruits, vanilla, cocoa and spice, finishing long and silky, this is a great wine to enjoy with grilled beef, stews, or chili!
$27.99
Mills Club $25.19
Case $22.39
Taste Cayeya Blanco and Reposado Tequilas and enjoy 20% off any purchases as part of our SemiAnnual Sale!
Enjoy samples of Sassenach Gin and Whisky while learning interesting facts about the distillery/.
Check out our monthly “Staff Picks” wines, where we choose 12 of our current favorite wines, specially chosen to pair well with seasonal dishes and that present good value for the price. Save 10% on any purchases, or put together a mixed-or-matched case of 12 bottles for a 20% discount.
December Staff Picks
Steininger Sauvignon Blanc Brut Reserve Sparkling, Austria (Tim)
From the wine village of Langenlois in the Kamptal Valley of Austria, the Steininger family makes beautiful white wines including Gruner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling, as well as traditional method Sparkling wines which are all single vintage and single varietal, showcasing the special characteristics of each grape. This wine is the perfect example, with Sauvignon Blanc gooseberry, currant, and pepper aromas wafting from the glass. A fine, lively mousse accompanies the minerally, dry finish. This would make a wonderful celebratory toast or a fine pairing with Salmon en Papillote, or a plate of creamy Cacio e Pepe pasta.
$34.99
Mills Club $31.49
Case Price $27.99
Villa Matilde 2018 Fiano di Avellino “Montelapio”, Italy (Pat)
Fiano di Avellino is a rustic, hilly appellation in the Avellino Provence in Campania, where the Fiano grape has been grown since Roman times. With refreshing notes of lemon, green apple, pear, and hazelnut, this medium-bodied white with crisp acidity would be a nice pairing with clam chowder, cream of crab soup, or a spicy rice bowl.
$17.99
Mills Club $16.19
Case Price $14.39
Seghesio Family Vineyards 2023 Chardonnay, Sonoma County, California (Jen)
We’ve long carried the Seghesio Zinfandel but only recently tasted their supremely satisfying Chardonnay! The Seghesio Family story dates back to 1895, as Italian immigrants moving to California, planting roots in a new country, and planting vines! They take a Burgundian approach to winemaking, which is reflected in this Chardonnay. 25% of the wine was fermented and aged in 50/50 French and American oak barrels for 6 months, while 3% was fermented and aged in new oak before settling in stainless steel. The components were blended after 8 months and aged in stainless steel together before bottling, resulting in a decidedly Burgundy-esque Chardonnay. Pair this balanced wine with delicate scallops, lobster, or crab.
$21.99
Mills Club: $19.79
Case Price: $17.59
Domaine Corne Loup 2023 Lirac Blanc, Rhone, France (Aron)
We’ve featured the Rosè from this Rhone producer, who farms 25 hectares in Tavel and 17 hectares split between Lirac and Cotes du Rhone, but were recently impressed with this refreshing white wine. The name “Corne Loup” refers to the historic custom of a horn (corne) sounding the alarm when a wolf (loup) was entering the village. This example of their work is 40% Grenache Blanc, 35% Viognier, and 25% Roussanne, a full-bodied, juicy wine featuring bright pineapple and white nectarine fruit notes and a mineral-driven, dry finish. This would be a dynamite pairing with oysters, roast chicken with difficult-to-pair asparagus, or with soft cheeses such as Brie or Camembert.
$18.99
Mills Club: $17.09
Case Price: $15.19
Domaine de Chezatte 2023 Sancerre Blanc, Loire Valley, France (Andres)
We’ve thrown another relatively affordable Sancerre into our Loire Valley mix with Domaine de Chezatte! This is a family-owned, fourth generation estate located on a peak in the northernmost village of Sancerre. Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grown to flint and clay soils, this displays fresh aromas and characteristic flavors of lemon, lime, apple and minerals, perfect to pair with oysters, seafood, or a salad topped with goat cheese balls.
$29.99
Mills Club $26.99
Case $23.99
Domaine Bibich “Zutina”, Croatia (Jerry)
The name “Zutina” translate to “yellow” in this orange wine made from the Debit grape in North Dalmatia. Organically grown and hand harvested, the wine is macerated on the skins for 30 days, during which time it ferments spontaneously on its own natural yeasts. After pressing the wine spends 6 months in neutral American oak. We loved the aromas and flavors of this well-structured wine which featured generous notes of apricot and peach.
$29.99
Mills Club: $26.99
Case Price: $23.99 ORGANIC
Au Bon Climat 2022 Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, California (Tim)
Impressively, this is Au Bon Climat’s 40th vintage of this wine! The grapes for this wine come from 6 vineyards: Bien Nacido and Rancho Real of Santa Maria Valley, and Rancho Ontiveros, Rancho La Cuna, Kick On, and Los Alamos of Santa Barbara County. The grapes are hand harvested before aging for 12 months in 10% new Francois Freres French oak barrels. We loved the abundance of fruit on the palate, with notes of plum, dark cherry, cranberry and touches of anise, tea and clove, and the elegant texture. Try with stuffed pork chops, oven roasted chicken rubbed with rosemary and lemon, or baked rockfish.
$34.99
Mills Club $31.49
Case $27.99
Cantina del Pino 2022 Dolcetto d’Alba, Piedmont, Italy (Jerry)
Cantina del Pino is one of the oldest estates in Barbaresco. For generations, the Vacca family contributed grapes to the esteemed Produttori dei Barbaresco before turning to focus more on their own bottlings. The wines are made without the use of harsh chemicals and synthetic fertilizers, farmed traditionally but also employing innovation such as their inclusion of whole clusters. Cantino del Pino wines are known for that illusive combination of power, intensity, elegance and refinement. The Dolcetto grapes for this wine come from vines planted to calcareous limestone soils. Fermentation and aging take place entirely in stainless steel tanks. Good acidity marks this beautifully perfumed, soft red with dark cherry flavors and a hint of black pepper and mineral. The acidity and pepper notes make this a great pairing for a dish with spice like vegetable curry, or consider with pasta with arrabbiata sauce or mushroom risotto.
$24.99
Mills Club: $22.49
Case Price: $19.99 BIODYNAMIC and ORGANIC
Juntos 2023 Merlot, Alicante, Spain (Aron)
From the same producer as “Volver”, this Spanish wine takes the name “Juntos”, which translates to “together”. Showing notes of cassis and red berries and violet notes with good tannins and a silky finish, this is a great wine to enjoy “together” with your family over ancho chili rubbed ribs or pot roast tacos.
$10.00
Mills Club $9.00
Case $8.00
Château La Freynelle 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, Bordeaux, France (Jen)
Last month we featured the 100% Petit Verdot from this producer and now we turn to another of their unusual monovarietal Bordeaux in this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Chateau La Freynelle is a 75-hectare estate in the village of Daignac, located in the heart of Entre-Deux-Mers in Bordeaux. Showing sumptuous notes of black cherry, licorice, leather and mocha, this is smooth with good tannic structure, great for pairing with pan seared steak, beef stew, or lamb meatballs.
$17.99
Mills Club Price: $16.19
Case Price: $14.39
Santa Julia 2023 “La Vaquita” Red, Mendoza, Argentina (Andres)
This natural wine with no sulfites added from Argentina is a result of cofermenting a blend of 80% Malbec and 20% Torrontes. Named “La Vaquita”, or “little cow”, this wine is a nod to Bodegas Santa Julia’s commitment to sustainable farming. Showing savory plum, juicy cherry and pomegranate notes, this fresh wine has a round, velvety mouthfeel. This can be served with a slight chill with a cheese platter or slow roasted beef with chimichurri sauce.
$19.99
SALE $15.99 ORGANIC and NATURAL
Burgess 2018 Contadina Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, California (Pat)
Immigrants first farmed the Estate Sorenson Vineyard in 1882 – Italian-speaking Swiss who were accustomed to hillside farming. Remarkably, in 1892, Giovanni and Elva Poncetta used stones in the area to build a gravity flow winery on the hillside where grapes were crushed on the upper floor and juice flowed into tanks on the lower floor. This winery was the original Burgess winery site and stood for 128 years. This wine from Burgess is a classically styled Napa Cab, with fruit from the Howell Mountain Sorenson and Haymaker vineyards. We loved the ripe black current and blackberries fruit notes supported by undertones of sage, olive and tobacco. The smooth, velvety finish makes this splurge-worthy Cab a great pairing with some nicely marbled ribeye steaks, or a slow roasted leg of lamb.
$44.99
Mills Club $40.49
Case $35.99