By Lou Phillips ·
Enjoy great food, gracious service and amazing vistas at Gar Woods ·
On the shore of Carnelian Bay stands an icon that pays respect to a history of marinas, boat races and the grand resort that was the Cornelian Bay Hotel (original spelling), of the 1800s. This area is also known for one Mr. Garfield Woods, a world-famous engineer who designed and raced boats on Tahoe’s North Shore. From the teak-wood boat decor inside and out, to the classic-meets-modern food and drink, and gracious hospitality of the staff, Gar Woods Grill & Pier is a living homage to this glorious past.
Aptly titled To The Valley, this is a wine program for lovers of California sunshine in a bottle. Let’s begin our tour with sparkling wine. You can’t do better than Napa pioneer Schramsberg’s 2011 Blanc de Blanc at $55 for the bottle. Light on its feet, and full of fresh citrus and shortbread aromas and flavors, this wine is a great way to set a celebratory mood and stimulate the appetite
The 2012 Patz & Hall Chardonnay, Sonoma, at $46 for the bottle captures the ideal growing conditions for Chardonnay in this vintage. Cookie spices, vanilla, rich pear and white peach are balanced by a fresh streak of acidity that invites another taste. This wine cries for rich seafood, and Gar Woods’ Lobster Bisque or Dungeness Crab Cakes marry nicely here.
Both Napa and Sonoma Valleys start from the south in the Carneros AVA. Fog and breezes off San Pablo Bay make this a cool growing region, perfect for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Because of these origins the 2010 Gloria Ferrer Pinot Noir at $44 by the bottle brings as much spice as fruit, and here adds sandalwood, sassparilla and baker’s chocolate notes that envelope the just-ripe strawberry and cherry flavors. The King Salmon is the perfect tablemate.
Jeff Cohn of JC Cellars is a California master of Rhone Reds, and his 2011 Smoke & Mirrors for $49 by the bottle is a gem. One of the new generation of California blends, in this case, old-vine Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Grenache from a cool vintage. It bring bright fresh flavors. Think notes of pepper and spice, to go with the dark berry flavors these varietals are known for. Pair with the Australian Lamb Chops with a honey rosemary glaze.
Gar Woods wine list features familiar favorites, making it easy to navigate for fans of Cali wines, and as a bonus there are values aplenty. Throw in the great food, gracious service and amazing vistas, and it’s no wonder locals and visitors alike become raving fans. For more information, call (530) 546-3366 or visit garwoods.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 Time columns.
