By Lou Phillips ·
The Lodge at Tahoe Donner ·
The Lodge Restaurant and Pub offers floor-to-ceiling views of the High Sierra paired with Chef Lew Orlady’s flavorful and beautiful food, featuring organic meats, local produce and a wine program to impress. All can be enjoyed in the fire-lit dining room, scenic deck or the boisterous pub.
The Lodge, winner of Open Table’s Diner’s Choice Award in 2014, offers one of the region’s more creative wine experiences consisting of its Regular List, which is particularly strong in Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as the innovative Manager’s List, featuring deeply discounted selections at get-‘em-before-they’re-gone prices.
Christen Holland in The Cellar at The Lodge ·
I’m a sucker (pun intended) for a spicy structured Chardonnay that cannot only entertain as a cocktail wine, but can also stand toe-to-toe with food. The 2012 Schweiger from Spring Mountain, at $45 a bottle, is just such a wine. Along with winter spices, it has lush vanilla, zesty citrus, mineral notes with an intriguing touch of malt. It danced perfectly with the grilled stuffed black mission figs.
The Andrus family of Pine Ridge fame also founded Archery Summit Winery, the first aspirational Pinot Noir house in Oregon. The Lodge has a beautiful example in the 2011 Premier Cuvee, a bargain at $64 a bottle. This wine shows the dark fruits and earthiness, delivered with the finesse and complexity that makes Oregon a contender as the Burgundy of the new world. Its sandalwood, cherries and umami flavors matched the pepper-seared Ahi sashimi.
Enjoy flavorful creations paired with impressive wines ·
A hot new producer from the Santa Barbara region is Lumen, and one sip of the 2013 Grenache, discounted from $45 to $39 on the Manager’s List, will tell you why. Bright berries, a complex mineral streak and a shot of cracked pepper leap from the glass to your palate. This wine is the perfect condiment for Chef Lou’s Angus burger.
On to Cabernet-land where the 2010 La Jota from Howell Mountain at $107 a bottle delivers the big black cherry flavors, mountain tannins and earthiness of Napa’s finest. The Angus short ribs marry perfectly with the Cab.
The Lodge Restaurant and Pub at 12850 Northwoods Blvd. in Tahoe Donner offers an extensive wine selection, innovative cuisine and great service, topped off with views to amaze. The Lodge is open for lunch and dinner daily with brunch on Sundays through Sept. 6. For more information or to make a reservation, call (530) 597-9455 or visit tahoedonner.com.
Lou Phillips is a Level 3 (advanced) Sommelier and wine educator specializing in advising private collectors and businesses. He may be reached at (775) 544-3435 or wineguru123@gmail.com. Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com for more wine columns.
