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✔️The Reliable

Regency Morton's

Classic steakhouse wine list, no surprises

Kanawha · Charleston · Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗

date-nightsplurge-worthyold-world-focusnew-world-explorer

Reviewed March 28, 2026

Wingman Metrics

List VarietyPlays It Safe
MarkupSteep
GlasswareBasic Stemmed
StaffWilling but Green
Specials & DealsSet & Forget
Storage & TempAcceptable

First Impression

The wine list at Regency Morton's reads exactly like you'd expect from an upscale steakhouse in a mid-size Southern city — heavy on Napa Cabs, anchored by the usual suspects, and priced for the expense account crowd. There's nothing wrong with it, but there's nothing to get excited about either. You know this list before you open it.

Selection Deep Dive

The list runs 150-250 bottles and leans hard into Napa Valley and Sonoma, with Bordeaux rounding out the old-world representation. The marquee names — Caymus, Silver Oak Alexander Valley, Jordan, Stag's Leap — are all here, which tells you exactly who this list was built for: someone who orders by brand recognition over discovery. There's no real digging to do, no sleeper regions like Willamette or Ribera del Duero to reward the curious drinker. It's a Greatest Hits compilation when you were hoping for at least one deep cut.

By the Glass

The by-the-glass program clocks in at 12-20 options, which is a respectable number for a restaurant of this size. Expect the pours to mirror the bottle list — familiar Cali Cabs and Chardonnays dominate, with probably a safe Pinot and a crowd-friendly red blend in the mix. Rotation appears minimal; this is a set-and-forget program that gets the job done without trying hard.

💰Best Value

Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon — null

Jordan consistently over-delivers for its price point relative to its Napa neighbors on this list. It's the most food-friendly Cab in the lineup — less extracted and oak-heavy than Caymus — and it won't crater your bill the same way Silver Oak will.

💎Hidden Gem

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

Most people at a steakhouse reach for Caymus on autopilot. Stag's Leap is the better choice — it's got more structure and restraint, drinks more like a proper Bordeaux than a fruit bomb, and holds up better through a full dinner rather than fading after the first pour.

Skip This

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon

Caymus is the most ordered, most marked-up Cab in the American steakhouse circuit. You're paying a hefty premium here for a wine that's become more of a status symbol than a quality benchmark. The juice doesn't justify the restaurant markup.

🍽️Perfect Pairing

Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon + Filet Mignon

Silver Oak Alexander Valley is softer and more approachable than its Napa counterpart — it won't overpower a filet the way a bigger, bolder Cab might. The dark fruit and cedar notes complement the clean, buttery character of a well-prepared filet without one bulldozing the other.

✔️ The Bottom Line

Regency Morton's wine list is exactly what the room promises: polished, predictable, and priced for special occasions rather than value seekers. Send a friend here if they want a reliable Cab with their steak — just tell them to skip the Caymus and not to expect any surprises.

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