Some like it hot

I don’t. In fact, between summer allergies and the recent heat wave, I’ve been driven indoors. But luckily, there are equatorial creatures who actually thrive in this weather. One of them is John Schneider, my friend, colleague, and loyal reader — a man whose palate I trust like my own. He celebrates the season by going to Zelo several times a week and drinking a New Zealand wine called Kim Crawford Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2006, which he tells me “cuts through the bullshit” with a sharp, clean, thirst-quenching taste. Others clearly agree: Wine Spectator gave this wine a 92 and amateur raters crow about its notes of gooseberry and passion fruit. So go, sun yourself and enjoy. Me? I’m huddled in the air conditioned comfort of my dining room drinking Zinfandel and dreaming of fall. . . .