California classics done right on Capitol Square
Capitol Square · Madison · Steak house · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed May 1, 2026
Wingman Metrics
The wine list at Rare reads like a greatest hits of Napa Valley — Caymus, Silver Oak, Opus One, Shafer Hillside Select. It's not trying to surprise you; it's trying to impress you, and for a steakhouse on Capitol Square, that's a reasonable strategy. You know exactly what you're getting before the bread hits the table.
The California focus is heavy and intentional — this is a Cab house, full stop. Stag's Leap, Jordan, Duckhorn, Far Niente: these are names that sell themselves to a business-dinner crowd, and Rare leans into that without apology. What's missing is any real depth outside the golden state — if you're hunting Burgundy, Barolo, or even a serious Rhône, you're going to be disappointed. The 150-250 bottle range gives it enough breadth to feel serious, but the selection skews toward safe names over interesting ones.
The by-the-glass program runs 12-20 options in the $12-$18 range, which is workable for a downtown Madison steakhouse. Don't expect anything too adventurous — this is likely anchored by Caymus and Jordan pours for the crowd that wants a known name without committing to a bottle. Rotation appears limited; this list feels more set-it-and-forget-it than actively curated.
Jordan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon — $12-$18 by the glass
Jordan is one of the most consistent, food-friendly Napa Cabs on the market, and if it's on the by-the-glass list here, it's the move — big enough to stand up to a ribeye but not so extracted it bulldozes everything else on the table.
Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot
Everyone at a steakhouse orders Cab, which means the Duckhorn Merlot gets overlooked constantly. It shouldn't — this is one of the benchmark Napa Merlots, plush and structured, and it actually shines alongside roasted and braised preparations in a way that big Cab sometimes can't.
Opus One
Opus One is a legitimately great wine, but at a steakhouse markup it's almost certainly landing north of $300-$400 a bottle — a price you can beat at any serious wine shop. If you want to flex, there are better values on this list that drink in the same stratosphere without the brand tax.
Shafer Vineyards Hillside Select Cabernet Sauvignon + Chargrilled Oysters Rockefeller
Hear us out — the Hillside Select's power and dark fruit cuts through the richness of the spinach, cream, and Pernod in the Rockefeller preparation in a way that a lean white simply can't. It's unconventional, but it works, and it's the kind of move that makes the table take notice.
✔️ The Bottom Line
Rare is a reliable wine destination for Napa devotees visiting Madison — the list is familiar by design, the WS Award of Excellence is well-earned, and the setting delivers. Just don't come here looking for natural wine or anything that strays from the California playbook.
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