Gone with the Wind(erlea)

A modern-chique tasting room at Winderlea balances atop the graceful, snow-dusted hills of Dundee. While the vines are sleeping, we thankfully sip on classic, pretty, Oregon Pinots and magically austere Chardonnay. Bottles here are are not only affordable, but wildly delicious. Winderlea's 2007 Chardonnay ($30) is not your electric-yellow, butter-fat layden, warm climate (*cough* California) showing; it certainly shined in the glass, down the throat, and every step in-between--impressive tastes from a five-vintage-old winery.

Late Night Snacks

Evening Charcuterie

the Superlative Intoxicant: a Lip-Smacking New Zealand

Greenstone Point 2008 Riesling

origin: NorthEast New Zealand, Waipara, North Canterbury.

concoction: 100% Riesling

visuals: pale and austere

sniffings: apples and pretty pink fruits, opening to a luscious Riesling petrol.

palate: a fresh, juicy off-dry summer tryst on your tongue with wonderfully quaff-able 10.5% alcohol.

conclusion: I'm continuously delighted by New Zealand wines, and the Greenstone Point is no exception. Reminiscent of an Alsacian Riesling, this delicate $9 bottle would satisfy both dry and sweet wine lovers.

A White for Winter

I must be pining for a summer of refreshing young wines. Alas, we are in the midst of winter, so to meld the two seasons, we paired a hearty Moroccan chickpea couscous with a light Domaine de Montcy Cheverny 2007. The pretty white wine married perfectly to the full flavored, spicy chickpeas, with mint, cilantro, and nuts bringing out a unique vibrancy with each swill. A little winter chill relieved with the spirit of warm weather!