Get them while you can! Whether you are looking to unwind and relax or elevate and energize, we have THC products for everyone.
Saint Cosme Côtes-du-Rhône, Rhone Valley, France
Saint Cosme Côtes-du-Rhône has always held a special spot in my heart. When I first got serious about wine, I was drawn to the estate’s history (owned by the Barruol family since 1490) and their dedication to sustainable vineyard practices, culminating in the move to 100% biodynamic production in 2010. The bottle’s label felt satisfyingly oldworld, and most importantly, the wine inside was delicious. If you’re tempted to overlook this because it’s a “basic” Côtes-du-Rhône, don’t. This is a serious wine from one of the leading estates in the Rhône Valley, made by Louis Barruol, whom Wine Spectator called the “Genius of Gigondas.” It’s pure Syrah, with no oak used in either its creation or aging — every flavor comes solely from grapes, soil, and stewardship. One of my favorite qualities is how beautifully it ages. Now, you’ll find fresh notes of berry, mineral, pepper, and herb. With time, it deepens into dark fruit, olive, and subtle florals. I love both stages equally — so much so that I buy it by the case to enjoy its evolution over several years. If enjoying it now, pair with lamb, beef, or a well-chosen charcuterie board (the Cheese Shop can help here), and stash a few bottles away — your future self will thank you. 13648
Von Buhl Bone Dry Riesling, Pfalz, Germany
Brian’s cheese pairing: Comte Marcel Petit selected by Essex (Jura, France, Sheep Milk)
It’s that time of year when pairing questions start flying in the Surdyk’s aisles, and the Von Buhl Bone Dry Riesling is always one of my go-to recommendations. I love it yearround (it’s magic with spicy Thai takeout), but when it comes to the big holiday feast, this wine absolutely shines. Oh, this wine knows it’s good… it comes in all fresh and flirty with those juicy peach and apricot vibes, then surprises you with a cool, stony edge that gives it some real attitude. It’s got great body (not too much, just enough to make you pay attention), and that crisp grapefruit finish? Sharp, refreshing, and a little bit sassy. Reichsrat von Buhl has been doing its thing for over 150 years: family owned, iconic, and effortlessly classy. Since 1849, they’ve focused on letting the vineyards do the talking, crafting wines that don’t chase trends but stay true to their roots in the legendary soils of Deidesheim and Forst. Certified organic and proudly sustainable, they’re the kind of winery that proves you don’t have to shout to make a statement, just make really good wine year after year. So, whether your holiday table leans traditional or a little chaotic, this wine plays well with everyone and makes you look like you totally knew what you were doing when you picked it. 118005 Reg. $24.99 Sale $19.99 Case $239.88
Dane’s cheese pairing: Rush Creek Reserve (Wisconsin, Cow Milk)
Raventos i Blanc Blanc de Blancs, Spain
Josep Raventos i Blanc was the great-grandson of the man who introduced the Champagne method of making sparkling wine to Spain. And Josep himself was a driving force behind the creation and promotion of the Cava D.O., the official appellation for Spanish sparkling wine made using that method. So it came as quite a shock when his namesake winery decided in 2012 to forego the Cava designation in favor of the more geographically specific but uncertified Conca del Riu Anoia (Anoia River Valley). Raventos i Blanc’s stricter self-imposed requirements included using only estate-grown native grapes and aging their wines — always vintage dated — for at least 18 months on the lees. The results are sparklers of remarkable character and precision that can be had for half the price of comparable Champagnes. Their Blanc de Blancs, made from Xarel-lo and other native white grapes grown organically and biodynamically, is quite dry yet brilliantly expressive, with toasty notes perfectly balanced by crisp citrus and orchard fruit flavors. This is a bubbly that’s guaranteed to impress your holiday guests while leaving plenty of money in your wallet for gift shopping. 124624
Reg. $24.99 Sale $19.99 Case $239.88
Sam’s Cheese Pairing: Fleur Verte (Périgord, France, Goat Milk)
2023 Illahe Willamette Valley
Pinot
Noir, Oregon
Zach Rouillard
Illahe’s goal is to make wines as naturally as possible from soil to bottle employing age-old techniques. Their focus is to grow and make quality pinot noir and white wines that express the vintage and varietal characteristics. Of course, quality wine starts with quality fruit in the vineyard. Their grapes are hand-picked, dry farmed, basket pressed, and fermented with native yeasts from small south-facing lots. As wine lovers, it’s great that they adhere to these practices. But, as we all know, it’s how the wine tastes that will be the final way you and I judge a wine. Well, I’ve tasted and judged, and I love this wine. Aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, Bing cherry, biscuit, dry leaves, and black pepper fill the nose. On the palate, the wine is medium bodied with flavors of rich and complex red fruits and autumnal spices, with perfectly balanced acidity leaving you thirsting for more. Since it’s the holidays, I also picked this because it’s such a perfect food wine, ranging from roasted mushroom dishes and curried squash soup to herbed turkey, duck, or pork loin with a crispy, rendered fat cap. ‘Tis the season to break bread and share will all you hold dear. Cheers all! 124644
Sam’s Cheese Pairing: Brabander Reserve (Netherlands, Goat Milk))
Entertaining
Join us for an evening of inspiration during our Holiday Sale. Sample a curated selection of our favorite wines, spirits and seasonal beverages perfect for holiday hosting. Get inspired to host with the most during this FREE holiday event!
Wednesday, December 3, from 4-7pm
Noelle Starr
Keri Brown
David Mahoney
Nikka Whisky Single Malt Yoichi, Japan
Nikka founder Masataka Taketsuru built the Yoichi distillery on the island of Hokkaido in 1934 after returning from Scotland, where he studied chemistry at the University of Glasgow while also apprenticing at distilleries learning first-hand the dedication it takes to craft single malt whisky. Considered the Father of Japanese whisky, he chose Yoichi for its environmental similarities to Scotland. Complex aromas of apricot, peach, cherry blossom are balanced perfectly with light smoke, salty sea breeze, and black pepper notes. The flavors unfold gradually beginning with baking spice, coffee bean, and tobacco, transitioning to mint, vanilla, and light smoke by midpalate, with a long, clean finish with pear and green apple notes. It’s medium to full bodied and definitely punches over its 90prf weight. I was able to get a good deal and am discounting it heavily in the hope that you give it a try this holiday season. 105562
Marc Brédif Vouvray Sec, Loire Valley, France
For my first Staff Pick at Surdyk’s, I announce my champion: Marc Bredif Vouvray Sec! For the holidays I am always on the lookout for a solid versatile white wine – something refreshing and easy as the aperitif but that can also be the right companion for multiple courses without being boring. I want it to pair perfectly with fish, seafood, poultry, grilled veggies, or even a simple cheese board. This is a textbook dry Chenin Blanc from Vouvray. Aged in stainless steel to preserve the generous bouquets of
2022 Ghost Pines Cabernet Sauvignon, Tri-County, CA
The Cabernet Sauvignon grape makes fabulous red wine. Over the years, it has become the signature red grape of California. Its rich, deep garnet color, dark currant flavor with notes of toasted oak, and firm tannic texture make Cabernet wine the perfect choice with all beef cuts, as well as venison and duck breast, this time of year. Ghost Pines by the Louis Martini Winery in Sonoma County, California is one of my favorites for both taste and value. They start by selecting grapes from three wine regions in California: Napa, Sonoma, and Lake Counties. This allows for fine blending of the Cabernet grapes for the best characteristic flavor, along with a spicy mix of wood smoke, cured tobacco leaf, and bittersweet chocolate, and a tannic structure in the finished wine. My recent tasting of this 2022 vintage showed big aromas of dark cherry fruit, cola, and vanilla. A full-bodied texture of soft to medium tannin added to the weight of the wine. It finished with a nice balance of acidity and bold, appealing fruit taste. It pairs perfectly with grilled steak, as well as an aromatic, steamy stew or simple, meaty pizza. A few weeks back, it was ideal with my wife, Bonnie’s, meatloaf. Ghost Pines Cabernet will age well with time and will only get better in the next six to nine years. A good reason to stock up during Surdyk’s Holiday Sale. 23678 Reg. $20.99 Sale $16.99 Case $203.88
Carpineto Dogajolo Rosso, Tuscany, Italy
In past write-ups, you have heard me call certain wines my “go-to” options or bottles I always keep on the rack at home — but I have never really talked about “the why,” what earns a wine that title? For me, there are three musthaves: versatility, overall quality, and price. I want a wine that can cover all the bases if I am heading to a party and have no clue what is being served, will not break the bank (especially for a last-minute grab), and is almost guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. This baby Super-Tuscan checks every box. It is as powerful and deep as it is elegant and balanced, making it the perfect go-to option for me this holiday season! What I love about this wine in particular is it takes two of my favorite red grapes and brings them together is this beautiful blend that brings bright, fresh red fruit notes of strawberry and cherry with this gorgeous layer of vanilla and cinnamon spice wrapping it all together. The oak aging and malolactic conversion gives it a touch of softness, while remaining complex and fullbodied. This is easily a bottle I would recommend for your holiday gatherings, or for those warm and cozy evenings at home under a nice warm blanket! ¡Salud! 95258
Reg. $16.49 Sale $12.99 Case $155.88
Viña Borgia By Bodegas Borsao, Campo de Borja, Spain
Wines from Spain have long appealed to me, from the oldworld reds of Rioja and Ribera del Duero to the aromatic whites made from Albariño. I’ve also enjoyed many Garnacha wines, and recently discovered an incredible one from the iconic producer Bodegas Borsao: Viña Borgia. In northeastern Spain, the Campo de Borja D.O. has produced world-class reds since Roman times, with Garnacha making up 62% of its vines. Its continental climate — cool Atlantic breezes meeting warm Mediterranean sun — creates wines with good acidity, vibrant color, and soft tannins. The region’s 30–50-year-old vineyards yield intensely flavored grapes. Bodegas Borsao, certified organic and vegan, was founded in 2001 through the merger of three cooperatives made up of hundreds of family growers. They craft both premium and everyday wines, with Viña Borgia shining in the incredibly affordable category. Aromas of red currant, plum, blueberry, cassis, earthy notes, and subtle anise carry onto the palate, where bright fruit and acidity create a fresh, vibrant, surprisingly complex wine with a long, persistent finish that instantly invites another sip. Achieving this at $30–$50 is expected; achieving it at $15 ($10 on sale!) is rare. Pair this gem with paella, salads, pasta, chicken, pork, or cheeses like Casa Lusa Zimbro. Salud! 124498
Reg. $14.99 Sale $9.99 Case $119.88
Evolution by Sokol Blosser
Lucky No. 9 White Blend, Oregon
Several years ago, I visited Sokol Blosser on a wine trip to Oregon, and I have been a fan ever since. This family winery truly captures what I love about Oregon wines: balance, character, and a real sense of place. The people are genuine, the views over the Willamette Valley are beautiful, and their wines reflect the heart of Oregon, from amazing earthy Pinot Noirs to vibrant whites. The Evolution Lucky
introduced at the winery while I was there, and it has been a go-to favorite ever since. This lively Oregon white blend combines nine white wines, including Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, and other aromatic varietals to create a beautifully balanced wine bursting with peach, melon, citrus, and floral spice. Bright, juicy, and just off dry, it’s refreshing yet rich, versatile, aromatic, and food friendly. It pairs perfectly with holiday appetizers, turkey, glazed ham, or any spicy dish and always seems to please everyone at the table, from dry wine fans to those who like a touch of sweetness. It is also the perfect gift for someone who is not sure what they like or what they are cooking, because it reaches many palates and never disappoints. Serve chilled, share generously, and enjoy with friends and family this holiday season. 51409
Bill McCleary
J’Kalein Madison
Drew Fuller Loua’s cheese pairing: Pecorino Moliterno (Italy, Sheep Milk)
Steph’s cheese pairing: Shakerag Blue (Sequatchie, TN, Cow Milk)
Juniper’s cheese pairing: Casa Lusa Zimbro (Portugal, Sheep Milk)
No. 9 was being
Jeremy Briese Rex’s Cheese Pairing 18-monthMimoletteAged (France, Cow Milk)
Khelif
STEL+MAR wines are sourced from sustainable vineyards across California’s Central and North Coasts. With 90+ ratings, a Best Buy award, and recognition as a “Label to Watch” by Wine Enthusiast, these wines are approachable, perfectly balanced, and made to be enjoyed.
