rutherford grill

there is frequently a wait at this local outlet of the hillstone restaurant chain. the outside patio is relaxing or you can always try to sit at the bar (same menu, great service). for lunch, you can’t go wrong with the cheeseburger, chicken sandwich, or prime rib french dip.

rutherford grill wine list review

given that spring has arrived more people are heading to the napa valley for a weekend getaway. therefore, we thought it was time to release our wine list review of the rutherford grill. the hillstone group owns the rutherford grill and the los altos grill. barry cothran oversees the wine programs at hillstone's restaurants and he does a fantastic job. pricing is only $5 to $25 over retail. if you are looking for a restaurant with a casual atmosphere, good food and a stellar wine list that won't break the bank, then check out the rutherford grill.

the list at the rutherford grill frequently changes, but as of the release date of this review, it had the 2008 larkmead, napa valley, cabernet sauvignon on the list for $72. fellow wine drinkers, it is nearly impossible to find wines from larkmead at retailers or in restaurants because they sell-out all of their wines through their allocation list. if you have not visited larkmead, then make it a point to do so the next time you are in the napa valley. this represents one of the top restaurant wine values on any list in the san francisco bay area.

the list is comprised of 174 selections (sparkling 6, white 64 and red 104), and given the favorable pricing we are only going to recommend 35 to 40 wines.

start your evening with the 2010 round pond, rutherford, sauvignon blanc for $36 or the 2009 dumol, lia, russian river, viognier for $44, and follow it up with the 2007 brewer clifton, santa rita hills, pinot noir for $56 or the 2008 larkmead, napa valley, cabernet sauvignon for $72.

as with all vinoservant reviews, you will see the price at the restaurant followed by the mark-up over retail (2007 schramsberg, brut rose, north coast | $48 | 1.4x | this translates into a retail price of $33).

vinoservant's top wine values at rutherford grill

sparkling wines

6 selections that range in price from $42 to $68

2007 schramsberg, brut rose, north coast | $48 | 1.4x
billecart salmon, brut reserve, non-vintage | $58 | 1.3x


white wines

64 selections that range in price from $32 to $66

2009 pride mountain vineyards, sonoma, viognier | $42 | below retail
2009 dumol, lia, russian river, viognier | $44 | below retail

2009 grieve family, napa valley, sauvignon blanc | $32 | below retail
2010 round pond, napa valley, sauvignon blanc | $36 | 1.6x
2009 rudd, crossroads, sauvignon blanc | $38 | 1.6x
2010 duckhorn, napa valley, sauvignon blanc | $46 | 1.7x
2010 spottswoode, napa valley, sauvignon blanc | $52 | 1.5x

2010 monticello, estate, chardonnay | $30 | 1.1x
2009 beau vigne, russian river, chardonnay | $32 | 1.1x
2010 rombauer, carneros, chardonnay | $54 | 1.8x
2009 darioush, napa valley, chardonnay | $56 | 1.4x
2009 shafer, red shoulder ranch, carneros, chardonnay | $58 | 1.3x
2009 brewer clifton, santa rita hills, chardonnay | $58 | 1.6x
2009 kistler, les noisetiers, sonoma coast, chardonnay | $58 | 1.0x
2008 dumol, russian river valley, chardonnay | $66 | 1.1x


red wines

104 selections that range in price from $32 to $98

2007 brewer clifton, santa rita hills, pinot noir | $56 | 1.2x
2007 olivia brion, wild horse valley, pinot noir | $58 | 1.3x
2009 belle glos, las alturas, santa lucia highlands, pinot noir | $58 | 1.4x
2008 boheme, taylor ridge, sonoma coast, pinot noir | 464 | 1.2x
2009 sea smoke, southing, santa rita hills, pinot noir | $90 | 1.5x

2008 davis family, russian river, zinfandel | $42 | 1.4x
2007 nickel & nickel, ponzo vineyard, russian river, zinfandel | $56 | 1.3x

2007 ilaria, napa valley, syrah | $42 | 1.4x
2008 shafer, relentless, napa valley, syrah | $78 | 1.4x

2006 altamura, napa valley, sangiovese | $62 | 1.2x
2000 marchesi di gresy, gaiun, barbaresco | $70 | 1.4x

2008 regusci, stag's leap district, merlot | $48 | 1.4x
2007 paradigm napa valley merlot | $58 | 1.3x
2007 paloma, spring mountain, merlot | $70 | 1.4x

2008 fisticuffs, napa valley, cabernet sauvignon | $38 | 1.5x
2009 vineyard 29, cru, cabernet sauvignon | $56 | 1.2x
2007 montagna, tre vigneti, cabernet sauvignon | $62 | 1.2x
2008 chappellet, signature, cabernet sauvignon | $68 | 1.4x
2007 leviathan, cabernet franc | $68 | 1.4x
2008 larkmead, napa valley, cabernet sauvignon | $72 | 1.0x
2009 caymus, napa valley, cabernet sauvignon | $78 | 1.3x

great spot for lunch. go early they fell up fast! great bar to enjoy cocktails and lunch. try the prime rib french dip or veggie burger. cornbread...wow!

expect a wait if you visit during prime lunch hours. but, don’t let that discourage you from dining here. if you have kids, it’s worth a stop because they have a couple kid-friendly options. more importantly, the rest of the food will satisfy any adult.

perfect lunch when in wine country. even though rutherford grill is a little pricey, it is worth the expense to show your relatives or a client a great meal when hopping around wine country. on the way to st. helena, sit outdoors and enjoy the culinary creations that range from ribs to lamb to some of the best prime rib i have ever had. their au jus/sauce is a must try item. if you like ribs, make sure you enjoy their spicy sweet corn bread. i only know of one other restaurant that makes it better.

...ordered the special of the day, which was the “seafood cassoulet” with everything from large chunks of lobster, diver scallops, mussels, clams and lots of other seafood.

just terrific!. this is a restaurant that pays as much attention to making you enjoy your evening as it does to making your taste buds thank you for bringing them there. comfortable and delicious. our entrees were prepared to perfection - best ribs i've had. even the outdoor area is made to make you comfortable and at ease (an open fireplace, and comfortable teak rockers). it doesn't get better than this.
5/5 stars.

return visit with same excellent results, this time had steak and enchiladas, w/ whithall pinot.


-----03 jul, 2010-----

omg! this place was spectacular. ribs were cooled to perfection, appetizers excellent as well. this is a must eat at place

best in napa. love, love, love this restaurant. we spent a week in napa, enjoying the wineries and the food. our favorite restaurant was rutherford grill. we love the food, atmosphere, wine, staff, etc. the grilled artichoke was heaven, and the dessert was perfect ending to a perfect meal. be sure you end your day here....you will love it.

best french dip i have ever eaten. the service was great too. we only waited 10 mins. for a table. must try the jalapeño cornbread.

rg veggie burger is a sin. i dream of this veggie burger. there is nothing like it remotely on this planet or at least where i live, indy, & where i have traveled. it's been 9 months since i've had it & i still can't stop thinking about. i've even written the restaurant asking them for the recipe. no such luck. i know they are known for their prime rib sandwich (which is also just as tasty) but please, i'm begging you, you've got to try this burger.

everything was phenomenal, from appetizers, to entrees, to sides and dessert, nothing needed any seasoning or sauce or had to much!!!! rutherford grill for life!!!

fantastic! we both had the special and it was unbelievable. but looking around all the food looked great. nice selection of wine by the glass. busy.

great restaurant! we were seated faster than the est 45 minutes and food was delicious. had the bangars and mash while husband and daughter had prime rib sandwiches, soo good! sat outdoors on a beautiful afternoon. great atmosphere and service. deviled eggs could use less relish but still tasty! can't wait for next visit there to try the ribs!

this was recommended by a friend. absolutely fantastic!!!! we had the prime rib sandwich and rotisserie chicken sandwich with grilled artichoke for a starter. the prime rib and chicken both melted into my mouth. service was great highly recommended