By Lou Phillips ·
A visit to Christy Hill restaurant has delivered the Tahoe experience for more than 25 years. Regulars and new guests alike enjoy sweeping vistas and the gracious welcome from manager and North Shore icon Oscar Havens (who holds a Level 1 Sommelier Certification) that sets the stage for the wine and dine experience that awaits.
Start with a glass of Nicolas Feuillatte NV Champagne ($15 by the glass), which is made in a rich palate-pleasing style featuring flavors of brioche and pear. A wonderful pairing for this is the Pan Roasted Diver Scallops with roasted vegetables, curry sauce and almonds. Picture perfectly seared bivalves, savory vegetables and a crunch from almonds that will all dance nicely with the bubbles.
For a salad match, try the 2012 Cottat Sauvignon Blanc (Loire Valley, France, for $8 a glass) paired with Bibb Lettuce Salad, which is and artistic deconstructed then reconstructed head of Bibb with avocado dressing. The bright citrus and mineral components flatter and balance the richness of the Bibb and the creamy avocado dressing.
One of the substantial entrees is a fall-off-the-bone Lamb Shank Tangine with saffron couscous, sundried cherries and mint jus. Oh yes, the 2012 Turley Zinfandel Juveniles ($14 for the glass), delivers amazingly complementary flavors with cherry-cranberry fruit, earthy-peppery spices and even a touch of mint. This gusty red met the lamb shank and all of its dynamic plate partners with a big bold wine hug.
For the finale the 2008 Jackson-Triggs Vidal Ice Wine ($16 by the glass), a dessert wine from the Niagara Peninsula in Ontario, Canada, is a natural with the Strawberry Shortcake made with fresh berries, basil vanilla syrup and a housemade buttermilk biscuit.
A dreamy ending to your experience that seems to blend with the billowing clouds that always seems to appear in the early evening at Christy Hill to create a beautiful color palette in the sky.
Christy Hill offers about 150 wine selections in a list that honors the seasons. Summer brings more Rose and Beaujolais to add to its traditional strengths in California and French wines. The wine program here is a multi-time Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner.
Christy Hill is located at 115 Grove St., Tahoe City. For more information, call (530) 583-8551. And, reservations are strongly suggested especially for the prized deck seating in the warmer months. There also is the famous Sand Bar, steps from the lake with lighter fare and a lively garden setting.
Lou Phillips is a Level 3 Sommelier and wine educator who specializes in guiding clients in buying or selling wine collections. He may be reached at (775) 544-3435 or wineguru123@gmail.com.
