The James
Napa hits, Long Island address, solid execution
Babylon · Babylon · American, Steakhouse · Visit Website ↗
Reviewed April 18, 2026
Wingman Metrics
First Impression
The wine list at The James reads like a greatest hits of California Cabernet — Caymus, Silver Oak, Jordan, Stag's Leap all present and accounted for. It's the kind of list that a Napa loyalist pulls up on their phone to show you why Long Island still knows how to eat. Nothing will surprise you, but nothing will disappoint you either.
Selection Deep Dive
The list runs 100-150 bottles and stays firmly planted in California, which makes sense for a steakhouse but leaves almost no room for adventurous drinkers. The heavy hitters dominate: Far Niente and Rombauer anchor the Chardonnay side while a murderers' row of Napa Cabs fills out the red section. There's no meaningful detour into Burgundy, Barolo, or even a rogue Malbec to break things up — if you came looking for an old-world rabbit hole, you're eating at the wrong restaurant. That said, within its lane, the list is well-curated and the producers are genuinely good.
By the Glass
Twelve to eighteen by-the-glass options at $12–$18 a pour is a reasonable spread for a steakhouse of this caliber. The glass program mirrors the bottle list — California-forward, familiar names — so you're not getting anything adventurous, but you can absolutely find something good without committing to a full bottle. Rotation appears minimal; this list feels like it stays put season to season.
Jordan Winery Cabernet Sauvignon — $40–$60 range
Jordan consistently punches above its price point — structured, approachable, and genuinely food-friendly alongside a dry-aged ribeye. It's the understated option on a list full of trophy bottles.
Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot
Everyone at the table is ordering Cab, and that's exactly why you should pivot to the Duckhorn Merlot. It's silkier, a touch more elegant, and often easier on the wallet — and it holds its own against red meat without trying to punch you in the face.
Caymus Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
Caymus is a fine wine that restaurants have learned to mark up aggressively because the name moves bottles. You're paying a premium for recognizability here; the Jordan gets you 85% of the experience for noticeably less money.
Far Niente Chardonnay + Jumbo lump crab cake
Far Niente's Chardonnay has the weight and richness to stand up to a well-seasoned crab cake without drowning it — the wine's subtle oak and stone fruit complement the sweetness of the lump crab without turning the whole thing into a butter bomb.
✔️ The Bottom Line
The James is a reliable steakhouse wine list done right within a narrow California wheelhouse — fair for the format, honest about what it is, and backed by a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence it earned in 2025. Send a friend here if they love Napa Cab and a good ribeye; tell the adventurous wine drinker to temper expectations.
Comments
Get the Weekly Wingman
One wine list review, one adventure pick, one quick tip, and a personal note. Every week. Under 500 words.