Previous Staff Selections • J'Kalein Madison
Spring 2026
AltoCedro Ano Cero Malbec
(Uco Valley, Argentina)
Surdyk's Price:
If you’ve ever wondered why people make such a big deal about high-altitude wines, the Uco Valley is your answer. Tucked up against the Andes Mountains, vineyards here sit thousands of feet above sea level, where warm sunny days and cool mountain nights help grapes ripen slowly and evenly. That long, balanced growing season means you get bold flavor and freshness in the same bottle — not always an easy combo to pull off. This Malbec comes from sustainably farmed 30-year-old vines, is hand-harvested, and aged for 10 months in French oak. Pour a glass and you’ll see that deep, inky purple color Malbec enthusiasts come to know and love. On the nose, think fresh ripe berries and violet, with a smooth and juicy palate laced with dark fruit. The soft tannins and freshness keep it from feeling heavy, with a long, almost savory finish. It’s rich without being overwhelming, the kind of red you can confidently bring to a dinner party or open on a cozy night. Pair it with steak, burgers, roasted veggies, or even a hearty pasta! ¡Salud!
Winter 2025
Carpineto Dogajolo Rosso
(Tuscany, Italy)
Surdyk's Price:
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 must-haves: 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 full-bodied. 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!
Fall 2025
Walnut Block Sauvignon Blanc
(Marlborough, NZ)
Surdyk's Price:
Summer is over, but if you’re anything like me, you’re still holding on to it as much as possible—even if it’s just through what you’re drinking! This bottle is fresh, fruity, and has everything I need to be taken back to those long hot days when you could sit outside with a cold, crisp glass of wine! Hailing from the tip of the southern island in New Zealand, this wine is the perfect expression of a straightforward, no-fuss Sauvignon Blanc that you’ll want to sip on for days and days… perhaps even into the winter months. 100% Sauvignon Blanc in the bottle, and you get everything you want and desire. Fresh, juicy tropical fruit notes of mango and passion fruit, along with pronounced stone fruit flavors of peach, all take their turn showing up on your palate. The signs of a well-balanced and carefully crafted wine! Laced with just a hint of that signature bell pepper, the real beauty lies in the long finish this wine offers, which is helped in part by the refreshing acidity it contains. Typically, I always provide food pairings at the end of my write-ups, but honestly, just enjoy this one by itself—you’ll thank me later! ¡Salud!