I had one of those sublime wine and cheese pairing moments recently when served Pleasant Ridge Reserve alpine-style cow’s milk cheese with an absolutely lovely Washington State Syrah. Here’s the skinny:

Pleasant Ridge Reserve is made by the Uplands Cheese Company in Wisconsin. The company’s cows are reportedly happily grazing away on ridgetop grasses and fresh herbs — and I believe that only a happy cow could produce the kind of milk that ends up tasting this good in a cheese! Rich, creamy, complex, notes of caramel and a fruity/grassy/briny tang. Cannot recommend it enough.

With it was a wine that I actually tasted not so long ago at a luncheon — and was happy to revisit. The Reininger 2006 Syrah Columbia Valley Helix ($27). offers ripe, aromatic blueberry, blackberry and plum fruit layered with chocolate, wild herbs and earthy notes that linger on the lush finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 2-3 years. Locate this wine online or in your area.