Surdyk's Price

 Sometimes the most challenging wine to pick out for customers is a versatile wine that works for weeknight meals as well as for a weekend dinner with friends. We have two wines from the Bordeaux wine region of Southwest France that I feel equally comfortable recommending: Chateau La Freynelle Cabernet Sauvignon; and Chateau Haut Peyruguet. Chateau La Freynelle was founded in 1789 by Jean Barthe and has been in the capable hands of 7th generation owner Veronique Barthe since 1990. Most wines from Bordeaux feature a blend of grapes, yet this wine is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Sustainably farmed vines of 20-year average age with 12 months oak maturation, this wine exhibits a beautiful vibrant dark purple color. Elegant nose of blackberries, cassis, red fruits, savory spices, and oak/vanilla. It shows fine grained but noticeable tannins, with the dark fruit emerging as the wine opens. Very well balanced with fruit and acid, leading to a long finish. Consistent high reviews from Robert Parker, James Suckling, and Wine Enthusiast, the wine also appeared on many bistros that my wife and I dined at during our trip to France last September. Restaurants in Bordeaux, Sarlat in Dordogne, and in Paris featured this wine by the glass, which I find especially compelling as a recommendation from wine professionals in France! Perfect for pizza, pasta, red meat, and grilled chicken. Incredibly affordable for the quality, you will be extremely happy enjoying this for a simple weeknight meal, or at your next dinner party with friends.   A votre Sante!