California Cab Country, Right in Your Backyard
Geneva · Geneva · American, Steakhouse
Updated June 2026
Reviewed by the RagingWine Tasting Desk · May 6, 2026
RagingWine reviewed The James’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 James lands in charming downtown Geneva with the energy of a place that takes its steaks seriously and wants the wine list to match. Flip open the list and California greets you immediately — and honestly, it never stops. This is a room built for big reds and celebratory pours, and the list knows exactly what it's doing.
With 150-250 bottles, there's real size here, but the depth runs in one direction: California Cabernet Sauvignon. You'll find the reliable all-stars — Caymus, Jordan, Silver Oak Alexander Valley, Stag's Leap Wine Cellars — lined up like a greatest hits album. Duckhorn Merlot and Rombauer Chardonnay round out the crowd-pleaser brigade. Old World explorers and natural wine fans will feel like they've wandered into the wrong restaurant, but if you came for a serious California Cab with a dry-aged ribeye, the list has you covered.
Twelve to twenty options by the glass is a respectable showing for a steakhouse of this size, and the program leans predictably toward the Chardonnay-and-Cab crowd. Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Ranches Chardonnay appearing by the glass is a genuine highlight — that's a wine that earns its pour. Don't expect adventurous pours or frequent rotation; what's on the list is what you get.
Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon — $80
Jordan consistently punches above its price point — structured, food-friendly, and built for exactly the kind of red meat this kitchen specializes in. It's the sweet spot on a list that skews toward bigger markups on bigger names.
Sonoma-Cutrer Russian River Ranches Chardonnay
Most people at a steakhouse skip Chardonnay entirely, which is a mistake when this bottle is on the list. Russian River Ranches is a serious, cool-climate Chard with enough tension and acid to handle the lobster bisque or shrimp cocktail — and it gets overlooked every time someone orders another Cab.
Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon
Caymus is everywhere, and restaurants know they can charge a premium because the name moves bottles. The markup here almost certainly doesn't justify what you're getting versus other options on this same list — save the budget for Jordan or Stag's Leap and don't let brand recognition do your ordering for you.
Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon + Dry-aged ribeye
Stag's Leap brings elegance and structure without the blunt-force fruit bomb that some California Cabs lean into. That restraint is exactly what you want against the concentrated, savory depth of a dry-aged ribeye — it complements without competing.
✔️ The Bottom Line
The James is a dependable California-focused steakhouse list that earns its Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for doing one thing consistently well. If you're there for the beef and the big reds, you'll leave satisfied — just go in with your eyes open on the markups.
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The Park Grill is a reliable dinner stop if you're winding down after a day in the Smokies and want a solid glass of California wine with your steak — just don't expect the list to reward curiosity or spare your wallet. Send your friends here for the food and the vibe; tell them to drink the Sonoma-Cutrer and not overthink it.
Crowd Pleasers
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Stowe Village · Stowe · American, Steakhouse
Harrison's is the kind of reliable neighborhood anchor that Stowe regulars and ski-weekend visitors can count on — the wine list won't blow your mind, but it won't let you down either. Send a friend here knowing they'll drink fine; just don't send them expecting a deep dive.
Solid Range
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Willing but Green
Set & Forget
Acceptable
Downtown Denver · Denver · American, Steakhouse
Range is a confident, well-kept steakhouse list that won't surprise you but absolutely won't let you down — especially if California Cabs are your language. Just come in with your eyes open on pricing, and let Dan steer you toward the Jordan.
Plays It Safe
Steep
Basic Stemmed
Knowledgeable & Friendly
Set & Forget
Proper
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