Enjoy the scenic drive around Lake Tahoe’s West Shore, you will find The West Shore cafe, a striking and classic Tahoe lodge just steps from the lake.
Courtesy West Shore cafe
Not to be outdone by the facility and the scenery, restaurant manager Randy Miller and his staff pull off the delicate balance of providing an experience that is up to fine dining standards and at the same time warm and fun loving.
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“Under the guidance of (Randy) Miller, they have earned
The Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for their wine list.”
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So inspired, we decided to settle in for a wine and dine experience starting with the warm lobster dip with horseradish cream cheese, fresh herbs and grilled bread. Such rich and powerful flavors and textures called for a wine with character and backbone and the Capita Vidal Cava NV Sparkler, $10 a glass and $38 a bottle, with its spice, finesse and effervescence was an excellent course mate.
Courtesy West Shore cafe
Luli Winery is a generational extension of the immensely talented Pisoni family of California’s Central Coast, and their 2014 Arroyo Seco Sauvignon Blanc, $34 a bottle, was alive with citrus, melon and yellow raspberry flavors that really shone with our cauliflower and pomegranate salad with crispy prosciutto.
Merlot from the Santa Cruz Mountains is more like a Right Bank Bordeaux than a Napa version. Yes, you get the wonderful purple fruits, substantial body, supple tannins and even that chocolaty goodness, but like a Bordeaux, it brings some earth and a truly palate freshening energy. West Shore offers the 2012 Ridge Winery, $86 a bottle, version and we didn’t have to think too hard to match it with the beef tenderloin filet with mushroom gnocchi.
Courtesy West Shore cafe
Sonoma’s Schug Winery is best known for their excellent Pinot Noirs, but they also offer a gem of a dessert wine that is usually only available at the winery. Their 2012 Late Harvest Riesling, $42 375ml bottle, had the fruit and spice to sing with the deconstructed pumpkin roll topped with a one-of-a-kind Chia Chocolate Sauce.
This year, West Shore has made a commitment to its wine program offering real variety and quality with something for every palette and pocketbook. Under the guidance of Miller, they have earned The Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for their wine list.
Winter or summer, West Shore cafe is indeed a sparkling jewel that provides the setting, service, cuisine and exceptional wine offerings that makes for memorable time. They are also one of Lake Tahoe’s most sought-after wedding locations. For more information, call (530) 525-5200 or visit westshorecafe.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.
