Eddie Merlot's
California's Greatest Hits, Done Right
Englewood · Englewood · Seafood, Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 11, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
The wine list at Eddie Merlot's reads like a greatest hits album from Napa Valley — Caymus, Silver Oak, Opus One, all front and center. It's polished and intentional, clearly built to match a prime ribeye crowd. No surprises, but no embarrassments either.
Selection Deep Dive
Two hundred-plus bottles and the message is loud and clear: California rules everything here. The list leans hard into Napa Cabernet and Chardonnay, with names like Stag's Leap, Jordan, Far Niente, and Duckhorn doing the heavy lifting. Don't come hunting for Barolo or Burgundy depth — this list isn't that place. What it does, it does confidently, and the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 2023 reflects a program that's consistent if not adventurous.
By the Glass
Twenty to thirty options by the glass is genuinely generous for a steakhouse, with pours running $12–$20. The selection mirrors the bottle list — California-forward with enough range to keep the table happy. Rotation doesn't appear to be a priority, but with this many options available nightly, it's hard to complain.
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon — $40–$60 (bottle estimate based on known range)
Jordan consistently punches above its price point — structured, food-friendly, and approachable enough that the whole table gets it. In a list stacked with Napa royalty, it's the smart order that doesn't require a second mortgage.
Duckhorn Merlot
Everyone sleeping on Merlot keeps ordering the Cab, but Duckhorn's version is one of the best arguments for the grape in California. Plush, layered, and built for a filet — most tables walk right past it chasing the Silver Oak.
Opus One
It's a spectacular wine and everyone knows it, which is exactly the problem. At a steakhouse markup, you're paying a significant premium over retail for the name alone. Unless someone else is buying, your money drinks better elsewhere on this list.
Far Niente Chardonnay + Chilean Sea Bass
Far Niente's Chardonnay brings enough weight and richness to stand up to the buttery, flaky bass without steamrolling it. It's the rare Napa Chard that knows when to stop talking.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Eddie Merlot's is a reliable, well-executed California wine program that plays exactly to its crowd — upscale steakhouse guests who want confidence, not discovery. Send your Napa-loving friends without hesitation; just tell the adventurous ones to stick to the Jordan.
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