California Cabs and Sizzling Plates, Delivered
Uptown · Albuquerque · Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · June 13, 2026
RagingWine reviewed Ruth's Chris Steak House – Albuquerque’s wine list and gave it The Reliable — RagingWine’s Vibe-Check rating. How RagingWine reviews wine lists →
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Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Ruth's Chris Albuquerque reads exactly like you'd expect — Napa-forward, celebration-ready, and priced to reflect the occasion rather than reward the curious drinker. It's a corporate list done competently: no surprises, no disasters, just a polished lineup built to move Cabernet next to a $60 ribeye.
The list leans hard into California, with a predictable but well-executed roster of Napa and Sonoma heavyweights — Caymus, Silver Oak, Jordan, Stag's Leap, Duckhorn, Rombauer. Bordeaux gets a supporting role, giving the list a nod toward old-world credibility without straying too far from what their clientele actually orders. Don't come looking for Burgundy deep cuts, Rhône oddities, or anything with a funky label — this is a list built for consensus, not discovery. That said, the producers they've chosen are genuinely quality picks; Ruth's Chris just charges you handsomely for the privilege.
With 15 to 25 pours available by the glass, there's enough range to navigate a meal without committing to a bottle — a rare comfort at a steakhouse in this price tier. Expect the glass program to mirror the bottle list: Rombauer Chardonnay is almost certainly anchoring the whites, and a Cabernet or two from the California roster holds down the red side. Rotation is minimal; this is a set-and-forget program that prioritizes consistency over excitement.
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon — $95
Jordan consistently over-delivers for its price point — structured, food-friendly, and less hyperbolically extracted than Caymus. At a steakhouse markup, it's still not cheap, but it's the closest thing to a fair deal on a list tilted heavily toward premium pricing.
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon
Most tables here are reaching for Caymus on autopilot, which means the Artemis gets overlooked. It's a more nuanced, classically structured Napa Cab with genuine Stags Leap District pedigree — less showy than the competition on this list, which is exactly why it's worth ordering.
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon
Caymus is everywhere, and steakhouses mark it up aggressively because they know people will pay for the name recognition. The wine itself has drifted toward a hyper-ripe, almost syrupy style that doesn't need your help at three to four times retail. Save your money and reach for Jordan or the Artemis instead.
Duckhorn Merlot + Filet
The filet is lean and butter-finished — it doesn't need a tannic monster. Duckhorn's Merlot brings plush dark fruit and enough structure to stand up to beef without overwhelming the tenderness of the cut. It's a pairing that works on balance rather than brute force.
The Bottom Line
Ruth's Chris Albuquerque is the reliable airport terminal of wine lists — you know exactly what you're getting, it'll cost more than it should, and nothing will go wrong. If you're celebrating and want to hand someone a bottle of Silver Oak without any drama, this is your spot; if you're here for wine discovery, you're in the wrong room.
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Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
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Small but Thoughtful
Steal
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Nob Hill · Albuquerque · French Bistro
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Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Uptown · Albuquerque · Brazilian Steakhouse
Fogo de Chão Albuquerque won't win any awards for wine creativity, but the South American red game is solid enough to get you through a meat marathon without regret. Just don't expect to discover anything new — this list is on autopilot.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
North Valley/Los Poblanos · Albuquerque · Cocktail & Wine Bar
The Library Bar at Los Poblanos isn't trying to be a serious wine destination — it's trying to be an honest expression of place, and it largely succeeds. If you care about drinking local and you haven't touched a New Mexico bottle in a while, this is the right room to fix that.
Small but Thoughtful
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Westside/Coors · Albuquerque · Italian
M'tucci's Coors isn't trying to be a destination wine program, and that honesty works in its favor. Show up on a Monday or Tuesday, grab a half-price bottle of the private label, and order the osso buco — you'll leave happy.
Solid Range
Fair
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Active Program
Acceptable
· Atlanta · Steakhouse
Hal's delivers a competent, Napa-forward bottle list that does exactly what a steakhouse wine program is supposed to do — just without much surprise or value mercy. Send a friend here if they want a reliable big-red experience; warn them to leave the credit card breathing room.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Rotating Cast
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Houston · Steakhouse
Perry's is a reliable steakhouse wine list — nothing that'll make you rethink your palate, but enough to drink well with red meat if you know where to look. The fortified and dessert wine section is genuinely worth your attention; the rest is competent but forgettable.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
· Atlanta · Steakhouse
New York Prime's wine list is exactly what it needs to be for its audience — safe, recognizable, and priced for expense accounts. If you know what you want and don't mind paying for it, you'll be fine; just don't come looking for discovery.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
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.
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