2008 Four Vines “Old Vine Cuvee” Zinfandel (California)

The Paso Robles winery Four Vines has always been a staff favorite at Surdyk’s because of their rebellious
winemaking style. Award winning winemaker and Zinfandel master, Christian Teitje, leads Four Vines and the result is a wine that tastes like it should be far more expensive than it is. The Old Vine Cuvee 2008 is a multi-appellation Zinfandel blend and has been aged in both French and American oak barrels. The nose is full with ripe berries and toasty oak. On the palate the wine is rich and spicy with layers of blackberries, raspberries,
plum and black licorice. Zinfandels have an amazing range when it comes to food pairing so try this wine with sharp cheddar, blue cheese or dark chocolate. If you want this Zin to really rock your world, try it with BBQ
chicken!

2009 Cline “Ancient Vines” Mourvedre (Contra Costa County, California)

The delicious Mourvèdre grape (pronounced moor-VEH-druh) likes to fly under the radar but you’re probably already enjoying it under one of its many aliases. In Spain it is called ‘Monastrell,’ in Australia ‘Mataro,’ and it is responsible for delicate Rosés from Provence, the rich reds from Bandol and it is a main component in Southern Rhone’s GSM blends. Cline has given this grape a chance at center stage. The grapes are from some of Cline’s oldest vines, allowing yields of only 2-3 tons per acre. These low yields, combined with sustainable farming techniques, produces higher quality grapes, all of which shows through in their wines. Cline’s 2009 Ancient Vines Mourvèdre is full of exciting flavors of dark cherries, ripe plums, chocolate, smoke and a touch of eucalyptus. Its young age comes through on the palate with bold ripe fruit but this wine can be cellared up to ten years. Try this Mourvèdre paired with savory meats like lamb, duck or beef or a vegetarian mushroom dish. I especially like Cline’s new idea to include a recipe on each bottle for Braised Bacon with Mixed Chicories and Spring Onion-Green Garlic Purée. A great wine that finally deserves some recognition.

2009 Strub Niersteiner Bruckchen Riesling Kabinett (Rheinhessen, Germany)

The name of this wine is a mouthful but don’t let that stop you from enjoying this excellent Terry Theise selection. The Niersteiner Brückchen vineyard is part of the Rheinhessen region located at the crook of the Rhine River between the Nahe and the Pfalz. While the Rheinhessen used to be known primarily for Liebfraumilch, Terry Theise is now calling it “Germany’s most interesting wine region.” Strub’s 2009 Riesling Kabinett is a well balanced wine with a pleasantly mild sweetness. It has notes of apricots, citrus, herbs and a distinct minerality which is true to the Rheinhessen. It pairs perfectly with Thai food (my favorite is Thai Green Curry) because the refreshing sweetness and acidity cut through the spice. The 2009 Strub Riesling Kabinett Niersteiner Brückchen is delicious, and I think you’ll love it, even if it is a mouthful to say.