Surdyk's Price

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!

Surdyk's Price

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 stone fruits and refreshing saline minerality. Balanced by a subtle floral edge, with more complex notes of ginger and honeycomb. This can be your every night aperitif or the star of the show. This wine is fun and has a lot of personality, unfortunately underrated, but this wine truly deserves a spot at our holiday table.

Surdyk's Price

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 No. 9 was being 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.