Glasses of Wine at Dockside 700

Dockside 700 is Tahoe City’s casual place for a glass of wine at approachable prices, served with delicious appetizers that won’t break your budget.  You’ll enjoy an unobstructed view of the Tahoe City marina and the lake, and a nice wine experience.   Sit at the elegant and friendly bar, or a table in the lounge area, or the screened-in porch.   All choices are good!

This summer’s wine by the glass menu offers something in every varietal category.  Here’s what I enjoyed.

The De Lyeth 2008 Merlot, Sonoma, is a lovely ruby color, and aromas of vanilla, orange spice and red licorice. The flavor is of plum, wild berry, currant and hints of mint and spices.  13.5 per cent alcohol.  $7 the glass, $20 the bottle.

I was delighted that the Diseno 2011 Torrontes, Salta region of Argentina, was served at a perfect temperature.  There is nothing like an overly-cold temperature to destroy the white-flower aromatics and taste of a good Torrontes.  This wine explodes with flavor of apricot, tropical fruits, jasmine, lily of the valley. 13.5 percent alcohol.     $5 the glass, $16 the bottle.

The Big Red choices include red blends from Livermore Valley and from Washington State, but I chose the Lange Twins 2010 Petite Syrah/Petite Verdot,  California.   It is Lodi-rules-certified sustainably produced wine.  Aroma and taste of blueberry and blackberry, juicy and flavorful!   14.2 percent alcohol.  $8 the glass, $26 the bottle.

Among the Chardonnays, the Wente Riva Ranche 2010 Chardonnay, Arroyo Seco, Monterey, is a medium-bodied wine with tropical fruit, honey, cinnamon and light floral notes. A classic California chardonnay with an oakey, big buttery taste.  13.5 percent alcohol.   $9 the glass, $29 the bottle.

Coming soon:   Ferreri-Carano 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley.   This is a lovely full bodied red wine.  No idea what Dockside 700’s pricing will be, but based on their list, it should be quite reasonable.  Almost all Dockside 700 wines by the glass range from $5 to $9, with just a few in the $10 and above price range.

For food pairings, the appetizer menu is extensive.  Chef Joseph Stecker prepared a tower of shrimp with avocado, cilantro and a touch of horseradish that was simply delicious with all the whites I tasted.  The classic baked-brie en croute was a good choice for the red wines. 

Dockside 700 is located at 700 North Lake Blvd,  lakefront at the Tahoe City Marina.  Tel 530-581 0303.  Open daily from 11a.m.-9 p.m. A wine club, and wine events, are planned too.  Menus (but not wine list) are at www.dockside700.com