The Scene
Located in a Mediterranean-style shopping center near Sia's restaurant and the prestigious St. Ives Country Club, the Wine List has an open but luxurious showroom. Front and center, the check-out counter is paneled with elaborately carved wooden vineyard scenes. Wine cases are likewise wooden and substantial. The sidewalls are a series of arched, faux stone alcoves, with murals depicting European wineries. The back corner contains a glassed-in, climate-controlled cellar for rare wines and port. Next door is a clubby cigar room with deep leather sofas that invite customers to linger.
The Goods
Under new management, the Wine List now specializes in slightly esoteric and hard-to-find labels. Though many of its wines are quite affordable, don't come here expecting your average grocery-store inventory. The staff is eager to help and won't laugh if you don't know a chardonnay from a Chianti. There's a large selection of Australian and Italian wines, plus imported beers and microbrews. The store plans to add a comprehensive liquor selection, with an emphasis on single-malt Scotch and single-batch bourbon. The cigar emporium stocks a full line, including Feuntes, Cohibas and CAOs.