Dockside offers excellent wine pairings
By Barbara Keck
I think that Dockside 700 is going to be my new favorite place in Tahoe City for a convivial glass of wine. I really like the vibe at their elegant and friendly bar, and the adjoining restaurant features pleasant music, not too loud. Top the experience off with an excellent wine-by-the-glass list with reasonable prices and a balance of familiar and more adventurous wines, and they have simply have it all.
Owners Marsha Wagner and David Richardson have been in the business of preparing delicious food since 2005, starting with Ice Box Kitchen, a take-and-bake sous vide concept with freshly prepared entrees offered in a deli case a few steps from the wine bar.
We think that wine is a complement to food, says Marsha We deliberately decided to build a wine list that is unique in the area and features very food-friendly wines.
Almost all of Dockside 700 wines by the glass range from $5 to $7 per glass, and can be bought by the bottle, too.
The 2009 Cuvaison Chardonnay uses grapes sourced from Carneros. It is a bright, yet light golden-colored wine, with an aroma of honeysuckle and notes of white peach and pear blossom. On the palate youll taste apricot and peach, with a hint of nutmeg and a nice toasty oak. 14.2 percent alcohol.
The 2010 Sobon Zinfandel is a personal favorite of mine. This Old Vine Zinfandel is a fragrant, rich, full-bodied zin with forward, fruit-driven flavors. It is 97 percent Zin and 3 percent Petite Syrah, with final alcohol percent of 14.9. Yummy with Dockside 700s artichoke dip appetizer.
I was lured by the meatball sub on house baked bread and the suggested pairing with the Justin 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles. Somewhat of an entry-level Cabernet, the aroma is fruity, and the taste of ripe red and black fruit with a touch of spice makes it easy to drink. Nicely textured tannins provide that underpinning for pairing with burgers, stews, meatballs. 14.5 percent alcohol.
Sold by the bottle only, the Phelps Fogdog 2008 Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast is medium-bodied with a fresh crisp initial taste and a spiciness and balance thereafter. The first sip, which is fresh, lean and crisp, follows through with a spicy mid-palate and finishes with firm, balanced and pleasant acidity. 13.5 percent alcohol.
The sister wine to this is 2009 Phelps Fogdog Pinot Noir. Ask if they have any left. The winemaker notes that it is loaded with vibrant red fruit, tangerine peel simply bursting with red raspberry, plump red cherry and rhubarb. 13.5 percent alcohol.
Dockside 700 is located at 700 North Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, at the Tahoe City Marina. Call (530) 581-0303 or visit dockside700.com.
Read other Weekly Wine Time columns on Barbaras blog at winebiznews.blogspot. Contact her at barbara@winebizpr.com.
