BOURBON STEAK This is perhaps the most phenomenal wine list in town. Think mid- to late-2000s barolos, two pages of Left and Right Bank Bordeaux with healthy vintage depth and even Old World pinot noir. Although bottle prices can often surpass $1,000 (over $5,000 in some cases), collectors love this list because it offers them a chance to quaff wines they might have aging in the home cellar. Don’t miss the impeccable riesling selections. Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale, 480.513.6002
CHRISTOPHER’S CRUSH LOUNGE Turn left once inside Christopher’s restaurant, and you’ll find Christopher’s Crush, a sexy, intimate wine bar owned and operated by Paola Embry. She is a certified sommelier and holds a Certificat de Merite from Le Comite National des Vins de France, so it’s no surprise that her cozy wine bar is a consistent Wine Spectator Magazine award winner. Pair wines with everything from truffle fries to Black River Osetra Caviar. 2502 E. Camelback Road, Ste. 102, 602.522.2344
J&G STEAKHOUSE Since sweeping views of the Valley and a bold Jean-Georges Vongerichten menu command your attention here, big wines are necessary to hold the balance. So, of course, skillfully handpicked Bordeaux and Napa Valley cabs are where this wine list shines (attention, Pauillac fans). However, the most fun can be had perusing the Burgundian selections, where 6- to 12-year-old grand crus just might put that view to shame. The Phoenician, 6000 E. Camelback Road, 480.214.8000
JAMIE’S WINE BAR This new wine bar inside the historic Wrigley Mansion is named after Jamie Hormel, who purchased the property in 1992 with then-husband Geordie Hormel. Outfitted with original mahogany walls and new chic design touches, this 20-seat cove offers first-class wine flights and high-end wines by the glass, thanks to a pressurized argon wine preservation system. The 850 bottles on the list at neighboring Geordie’s Steak are also available. 2501 E. Telewa Trail, Phoenix, 602.955.4079
T. COOK’S An edited list of 30 rarified bottles are available on the Reserve Wine List at T. Cook’s, so choosing one is as easy as Opus One, two, three. ZD’s Abacus XVII and Joseph Phelps Insignia both make appearances, as well as Quilceda Creek’s Columbia Cabernet, which scored 98 points from Robert Parker. A Coravin system keeps other luxury bottles in drinkable form, allowing guests to sip Opus One’s meritage for a mere $75 per 6-ounce pour. Royal Palms Resort & Spa, 5200 E. Camelback Road, 602.808.0766
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