Anthony's Chophouse
California Hits, Carmel Clubhouse, Zero Surprises
Carmel · Carmel · American Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 14, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
The wine list at Anthony's Chophouse reads exactly like the room looks — polished, confident, and firmly planted in California. You're not here to be surprised; you're here to drink well with a ribeye and feel good about it. That's a perfectly valid goal, and the list delivers on it.
Selection Deep Dive
With 200-300 selections, this is a serious list for Carmel, Indiana — but don't expect it to wander far from the usual steakhouse suspects. Caymus, Silver Oak, Opus One, Jordan, Stag's Leap, Duckhorn, Rombauer, Far Niente — it's the California greatest hits album, played loud and proud. There's real depth within that lane, and the four-person sommelier team (Shaun Slinkard, Zach Wilks, Ricardo Linton, Alex Tobey) means someone actually knows what's in the cellar. What's missing is any meaningful Old World representation or adventurous pours that would push this list from reliable to genuinely exciting.
By the Glass
Twenty to thirty-five by-the-glass options is generous for a steakhouse, and the $12-$25 range suggests they're not just pouring the cheapest stuff they can find. The glass program skews predictably toward California Cabs and Chardonnays, which is exactly what most guests ordering a bone-in strip are going to want anyway. No evidence of a rotating program — what you see is probably what you'll get on your next visit too.
Jordan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon — $40+
Jordan consistently overdelivers for the price tier in a steakhouse context — structured enough to hold its own against red meat, elegant enough not to beat you over the head with oak. In a list where Opus One is lurking at triple-digit prices, Jordan is the smart play.
Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot
Everyone at the table is ordering Cab, and that's fine, but the Duckhorn Merlot deserves a second look. It's got the weight to handle a filet without the tannic punch that can overwhelm the more delicate cuts — and most diners will walk right past it for something with a bigger name.
Opus One
Yes, it's iconic. Yes, it belongs on a list like this. But Opus One at a steakhouse is almost always carrying a markup that makes the actual wine-to-dollar ratio painful. Unless someone else is signing the check, your money goes further elsewhere on this list.
Far Niente Chardonnay + Lobster Bisque
The Far Niente is rich and full without being flabby — exactly what you want against a cream-forward bisque. The wine's weight matches the dish without drowning out the sweetness of the lobster, and it makes the whole thing feel like an occasion.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Anthony's Chophouse is the wine list equivalent of a well-executed classic steakhouse — it's not going to challenge you, but it's not going to let you down either. If you're in Carmel and you want California Cab with your dry-aged ribeye, this is your room.
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