A fall visit to the Soule Domain was a chance to not only review the wine and dine experience at this Kings Beach icon, but also to introduce my recently transplanted fiancé to a taste of authentic Tahoe.
Chef and proprietor Charlie Soule has long been admired for his food art and he also curates a wine program that has breadth, depth and sophistication. Combined with one of the most graceful and skilled service staffs in the region The Soule Domain is the special Tahoe place for many a couple and family.
The Lamb Chops with the 2013 Adelsheim Pinot Noir.
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The wine needed all of this complexity and structure to dance with the four double-cut NZ Lamb Chops that were roasted perfectly with a crust of Parmesan.”
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We started with the Asian salad with golden beets, watermelon radishes and Prosciutto that was every bit as complex and delicious as it sounds. The 2014 Quivira Sauvignon Blanc, $9 a glass, was a perfect match as it delivered the melon and lemon SBs exhibit in the sunshine state, as well as the vibrancy and Kiwi-Lime they are known for in New Zealand.
Server Todd Siefert was spot on as he recommended the pan-seared Day Boat Scallops with fresh corn and heirloom cherry tomatoes in a Meyer lemon butter sauce matched with the 2012 Mount Eden Chardonnay, $11 a glass. The wine was a model of balance with nice acid and mineral notes framing tangy tangerine and white peach flavors that both matched and contrasted the food.
Charlie Soule at work in the kitchen.
Some wines can be described as an iron-fist-in-a-velvet-glove and the 2013 Adelsheim Pinot Noir is just such a wine. It has bright acid, subtle earth, orange peel, dried cranberry, cardamom and black cherries filling the palate while riding on a lithe ethereal body. At $30 for a half bottle, it stacks up against Pinots at two or three times the price. The wine needed all of this complexity and structure to dance with the four double-cut NZ Lamb Chops that were roasted perfectly with a crust of Parmesan and almonds all napped in basil butter pesto, and included carrot tarragon soup and beautifully prepared root vegetables.
The 2009 Taylor Fladgate LBV Port and the Queen of Sheba Cake.
The luscious 2009 Taylor Fladgate LBV Port, $8 a glass, with great dusty tannins, black cherries and toasted coconut was both sweet and dry at different points on the palate. Straight out of a classic French cooking manual came an accompanying beautiful flourless Queen of Sheba cake that made sweet music with the port.
Soule Domain offers one of the last authentic warm and intimate Tahoe Log Cabin dining rooms combined with a true commitment to excellence in wine, cuisine and service. Shoulder season is the perfect time to enjoy one of Tahoe’s best and most unique experiences.
For more information, call (530) 546-7529 or visit souledomain.com.
Lou Phillips is a Level 3 Advanced Sommelier and his consulting business WineProwest.com assists in the selling, buying and managing wine collections. He may be reached at (775) 544-3435 or lou@wineprowest.com. Visit TheTahoeWeekly.com for more wine columns.
