By Lou Phillips ·
Having spent many years in a rustic cabin in Tahoe Vista, taking over the log-cabin dining setting at the Brockway Golf Course seems like a natural progression for the Spindleshank’s crew. The space is lighter and brighter making for a great new experience for guests.
These folks have always offered exciting wine flights that provide an opportunity to channel your inner wine adventurer. Consisting of three pours of 2 to 2.5 ounces, currently you can choose from four different flights.
For something off the beaten path, try the aromatic whites ($11 per flight) consisting of 2011 Elk Grove Pinot Gris from Oregon, 2009 Nevada City Winery Gewurztraminer and 2011 Oppenheimer Riesling from Kabinett from Germany).
The Pinot Gris is typical of Oregon in that it is fuller bodied, richer and more fruit driven than Italian versions (Pinot Gris is the same as Pinot Grigio). Gewurz is the German word for spice and that’s just what you get here; winter spices, lychee flavors and a brisk finish make this a great match for a variety of small plates with the Gewurztraminer.
The Oppenheimer Riesling is off-dry (Kabinett-level German wines can be anywhere from dry to medium sweet so ask your server), and as such it makes a great partner for anything spicy.
A flight of horizon-expanding reds ($12 by the flight) consists of 2011 Cote du Rhone Les Peyrouses, 2010 Runquist 1448 Blend and 2008 James Creek Zinfandel. When you drink Cote du Rhone you get a southern Rhone blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. A partnership full of spice and backbone. The Runquist 1448 blends Zinfandel, Barbera, Syrah and Petite Sirah from the Sierra Foothills and delivers that region’s characteristic dark fruits and smooth tannins.
Zinfandel is as close as California gets to an indigenous grape that grabs world-wide attention. It is identical to a Croatian grape (crljenak kastelanski – go ahead pronounce it, I dare you), and Italian Primitivo, but may pre-date both. It also is about as close as you can get to a Grenache, Syrah and Mouvedre blend in one grape, so expect big and bold here. If you get the feeling that this flight is not for the faint of heart, you would be most correct. So buckle up and maybe grab a burger or barbecue to accompany these bad boys
Spindleshank’s cellar covers the world from American classics such as Caymus and Leonetti, to iconic French producers from Champagne, Bordeaux and the Rhone, and a nice offering of Italians in the mix. Cheers.
For more information or to make a reservations, call (530) 546-2191 or visit spindleshankstahoe.com.
Lou Phillips is a Level 3 Sommelier specializing in guiding private collectors and businesses. He may be reached at (775) 544-3435 or wineguru123@gmail.com.
