The Capital Grille

The Capital Grille's wine list opens like a textbook for Corporate Steakhouse 101: thick binder, lots of Napa Cabs, even more Bordeaux, and enough Silver Oak to stock a wedding. It's the kind of list designed to make expense-account diners feel like big shots without actually taking risks. You won't find natural wine or obscure producers here, but you also won't find warm Chardonnay in juice glasses.

The list leans heavily into what steakhouse guests expect: California Cabernets from $80 to $400, classic Bordeaux châteaux, and a respectable Burgundy section that stays in the safer appellations. The Italian selection covers the bases with Barolo, Brunello, and Super Tuscans, but doesn't venture into anything too esoteric. There's a token presence of Champagne and sparkling, plus the requisite Malbecs and Australian Shiraz for folks who want something bolder. It's a list built for ribeyes and porterhouses, not experimentation.

The glass pour program is functional but uninspired, typically running 12-15 selections that rotate seasonally but stick to familiar names. Expect a Sonoma Chardonnay around $16, a Napa Cab in the $20-24 range, and maybe a Malbec or Pinot Noir to round things out. They're pouring 6oz pours from recently opened bottles, which is better than some chains, but the selections feel like they're chosen by a regional manager in a conference room rather than someone who actually gets excited about wine.