A Hundred Glasses Deep in Napa
West Des Moines · Des Moines · Steakhouse
Reviewed May 14, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The wine list lands on your table like a small novel, and that's before you clock that 100 of those selections are available by the glass. Fleming's built its entire identity around this program, and at this Des Moines location, the bones are solid even if the soul skews safe. Expect Napa, more Napa, and then a polite nod toward Bordeaux.
The 250-300 bottle list reads like a California greatest hits compilation — Opus One, Caymus, Jordan, Stag's Leap, Duckhorn are all present and accounted for. Bordeaux gets a respectable showing, but if you're hunting for Burgundy depth, Rhône wines, or anything from the Southern Hemisphere, you'll be doing a lot of squinting. The focus is unapologetically on big, fruit-forward reds that flatter prime beef, and within that lane, the list genuinely delivers. It's not adventurous, but it's well-executed on its own terms.
One hundred wines by the glass is the headline, and it's a real one — this isn't 100 wines where 80 are the same Chardonnay in different bottles. The range of glass pours gives you legitimate optionality across price points and styles, which is rare at a steakhouse format. That said, the list doesn't rotate aggressively, so regulars may find the same faces every visit.
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon — null
Jordan consistently overdelivers for its price in the steakhouse context — it's polished enough to feel special without the Opus One sticker shock, and it holds up beautifully against a prime ribeye. Among the California heavyweights on this list, it's the one most likely to leave you feeling like you spent wisely.
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon
Stag's Leap gets overshadowed at a table full of Caymus and Opus One name-droppers, but it's the more elegant, structured pick of the Napa crowd here. Most diners walk past it. Don't.
Opus One
Opus One is a genuinely great wine, but at a national steakhouse, the markup is going to be punishing — you're paying a significant premium for the logo on the label. Unless someone else is signing the check, there are far better value plays on this same list.
Duckhorn Merlot + Prime Ribeye
Duckhorn's Merlot has the weight and dark fruit to stand up to the fat and char on a ribeye without the tannin punch of a big Cabernet. It's a slightly softer play that works especially well if you're sharing the table with someone who finds the Cabs too aggressive.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Fleming's Des Moines is a well-run wine program inside a predictable format — if California reds with your steak is your game, you'll leave happy. Just don't expect any surprises, and watch those markups closely before you start pointing at the big names.
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Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Seasonal Rotation
Acceptable
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Crowd Pleasers
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Basic Stemmed
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Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Occasional
Acceptable
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Solid Range
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Basic Stemmed
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Active Program
Acceptable
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Grocery Store
Fair
Basic Stemmed
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Acceptable
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Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
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Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
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Crowd Pleasers
Fair
Basic Stemmed
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Set & Forget
Acceptable
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Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.