David's Restaurant
Old Portland Charm With a Serious Wine Spine
Monument Square · Portland · New American · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 16, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
Walking into David's at Monument Square, you get the immediate sense this place has been doing things right for a long time. The wine list reflects that same quiet confidence — no gimmicks, no trendy natural wine posturing, just a thoughtful selection that covers serious ground across France, Germany, and California. It's not flashy, but it earns your attention.
Selection Deep Dive
The list leans heavily Old World with good reason — there's Gonet Medeville Premier Cru Champagne for bubbles lovers who know their grower producers, Dr. Thanisch Riesling out of the Mosel for anyone who understands that Germany is wildly underrated at the dinner table, and Louis Latour Marsannay anchoring the Burgundy side without requiring a second mortgage. California shows up with Ramey Chardonnay from Russian River Valley, which is about as serious as domestic Chardonnay gets. The Famille Perrin Chateauneuf-du-Pape rounds out the Rhone corner nicely, and the inclusion of Chateau Rieussec Sauternes signals that someone here actually thought about a complete meal from start to finish. Gaps exist — South America and natural wine are essentially absent — but for a long-standing New American spot, this list punches above its weight.
By the Glass
By-the-glass specifics are harder to pin down from the current list, but the presence of approachable bottles like the Roshambo Pinot Noir and EOS Estate Merlot suggests the glass program leans accessible and crowd-friendly. We'd love to see the Riesling or Marsannay make it to the by-the-glass lineup — that would elevate the whole program considerably.
EOS Estate Merlot, Paso Robles — $10.50
At a 13% markup over retail, this is practically cost pricing. Paso Robles Merlot at this price point in a full-service restaurant is almost unheard of — order a second glass and don't feel weird about it.
Dr. Thanisch Riesling, Mosel
Most people at David's are reaching for the Chardonnay or the Pinot, and they're leaving this Mosel Riesling completely alone. That's a mistake. Thanisch is a historic estate and this wine will cut through any richness on the plate with surgical precision — especially against anything cream-based.
Chateau Rieussec Sauternes
We love that it's on the list — it shows real intention. But unless you're splitting a half-bottle specifically for dessert, the price-to-occasion ratio rarely works out at a weeknight dinner in Portland. Save it for a special moment and don't impulse order it.
Ramey Chardonnay, Russian River Valley + Open Faced Lobster Ravioli
Russian River Chardonnay has the weight and texture to stand up to rich lobster and pasta without steamrolling it. Ramey specifically keeps the oak restrained enough that the wine works with the dish rather than competing against it.
✔️ The Bottom Line
David's is the kind of place where the wine list quietly overdelivers — serious producers, genuinely fair markups, and a range that respects the food it's meant to accompany. If you're eating in Portland and want a bottle that actually matches the ambition of the kitchen, this is a reliable bet.
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