Manzanita

You're at a Ritz-Carlton at 8,000 feet, surrounded by stone and timber, with a wine list that actually earns its place at the table. The list leans into California and France — which makes sense given the farm-to-table, mountain-lodge positioning — and it doesn't try to be everything to everyone. Wine Spectator handed them an Award of Excellence in 2023, and while that's not a grand slam, it signals someone in this building is paying attention.

The 150-250 bottle list hits its California marks hard: Kistler Chardonnay, Flowers Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon, and Ridge Monte Bello are all accounted for, which gives you real range from workhorse to icon. France gets a respectable seat with Louis Jadot Burgundy rounding out the old-world side alongside Domaine Drouhin Oregon Pinot Noir bridging the gap between the two hemispheres. There are gaps — if you're hunting Rhône, Riesling, or anything remotely south of the equator, you'll come up short. But for a mountain resort restaurant cooking with seasonal California produce, the list tracks.

Somewhere in the 12-20 glass range, which is respectable for the setting and gives you enough to navigate a multi-course meal without committing to a full bottle every time. We'd love to see more rotation and adventure here — a Sonoma Coast producer beyond the obvious picks would go a long way. As it stands, it's functional and competent, just not exciting.