By Lou Phillips ·
With outposts in Tahoe City, Olympic Valley, Truckee and Northstar, Uncorked offers stylish wine bars that are shining stars in our wine galaxy. These spots are the vision of entrepreneurs and wine lovers Kali Kopley, and Debbie and Marc Metcalf.
All of the locations have an inspired theme. From the mod look of Tahoe City to old-town classic in Truckee to the ski village-feel at Squaw Valley and Northstar (called Petra), Uncorked is a place to see and be seen. With rotating art exhibits and décor that could stand up proudly in San Francisco and New York, you’ll feel cooler just walking in the doors.
Uncorked serves exclusively in fine crystal glassware, and with staff that are knowledgeable, yet unpretentious, the wines get to show its best. And, what wines. Kopley’s personally curated lists showcase a large number of limited production wines from around the world. Whether enjoying wine flights, by-the-glass selections or a bottle, you will know you these wine pros really care about your wine experience.
Uncorked tasting
Start with Adami NV Prosecco, which is a pure expression of the Glera grape. Beautiful fruit and floral aromas and flavors combine with a bright and fresh feel make this bubbly a treat for the senses. Not to mention a value at $19 a bottle.
From Carneros comes the 2012 Truchard Estate Chardonnay ($30 by the bottle). The Truchard Family makes classic, restrained wines that always over deliver. Crisp, luscious and complex.
Greg LaFolette was the opening winemaker for Flowers Winery and his eponymous personal project has a wonderful Pinot Noir from top sites in Mendocino and Sonoma Coast.
The 2012 edition ($24 by the bottle) is a wine of terroir expressing cherries, minerals and just plain yumminess.
Davis Phinney made his name with The Prisoner Red Blend, but he really shows his stuff with a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2012 Mercury Head ($109 for the bottle), which is only produced in exceptional vintages (last in 2009), and only in small quantities. This is a cassis- and chocolate-flavored powerhouse that you may enjoy now or hold for a decade or more. Cult Napa fans will love this.
Uncorked offers 20 wines by the glass and a flight of any three can be had for $10. Weekend winemaker events return Dec. 18 for the winter. Also offered are small plates that truly complement the wine. All information about locations, offerings and events can be found at teloswine.com.
If you have a favorite wine destination or topic you’d like to see featured, drop me a line.
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.
