Previous Staff Selections • Noelle Starr
Winter 2025
Saint Cosme Côtes-du-Rhône
(Rhone Valley, France )
Surdyk's Price
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 old-world, 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.
Fall 2025
Ecker-Eckhof Gruner Veltliner 1L
(Mitterstockstall, Austria )
Surdyk's Price
Most lifelong Minnesotans (me being one) will say that fall is their favorite season. And while that is true for me, you can’t deny that it is an interesting few months where you often get to experience the other seasons’ weather within this 3-month time frame. Rain, yes. Heat spikes, definitely. Snow, sadly on occasion. Since I can’t control the weather, but I most definitely can control the menu, I choose Gruner Veltliner. Particularly this Gruner from Ecker-Eckhof, a third-generation, family-run winery in Mitterstockstall, Austria, with roots in winemaking dating back to 1580. They began practicing organic in 2019 and became certified in 2022. We are still grilling heavily at my house during the fall months, but burgers and brats are replaced by chicken, salmon, and pork. Vegetables show up in more places than just the salad bowl, and everything seems to be adorned with a ton of herbs. With a citrus core, balanced minerality, and herbaceous, pepper-spice notes, this will pair beautifully with all the vegetables, all the herbs, and white meat (especially but not exclusively) that cooks on a grill. It’s not as sharp as Sauvignon Blanc can be, (which I enjoyed plenty of during summer), and yet leaner than typical Chardonnay or Viognier, which I prefer in much colder months. I should mention it is a 1-liter bottle, which makes this an excellent choice for entertaining. The Ecker-Eckhof Gruner Veltliner is so versatile… perhaps it is to wine what fall is to the other seasons?
Summer 2025
Paysan Rosé
(Central Coast, California )
Surdyk's Price
I stumbled upon Paysan Rosé in late spring during a sudden spike in what had been a long run of damp, cool temperatures. Like many of you, I felt an irresistible urge to sit outside after work and celebrate having survived another Minnesota winter. That, of course, called for a glass of wine. I headed to our rosé section and found myself facing over 100 options. My eye landed on Paysan from California’s Central Coast. Perhaps it was the color—more fuchsia than the pale blush tones typical of Southern France, yet still translucent enough not to be mistaken for a red. Either way, it came home with me. Once chilled, I poured a glass and stepped into the sunshine. Paysan crafts village-inspired wines from the Central Coast, and this rosé pays homage to the Rhône Valley with its blend of 71% Mourvèdre, 15% Cinsault, and 14% Grenache. Though the grape varieties are French, the wine is unmistakably Central Coast, thanks to the influence of the region’s signature calcareous alluvium and calcium-rich shale soils. Harvested early enough to retain bright acidity and pressed after just 3–6 hours of skin contact, this rosé offers vibrant notes of dark berries, savory herbal hints, and a beautiful mouthfeel. It pairs wonderfully with grilled salmon, chicken, or lamb (my personal favorite). What I love most is its seasonal versatility. It was perfect in spring, it’s just right for summer, and I fully expect it to shine come fall. Stock up now and enjoy it in the months ahead.