A great wine can change the entire rhythm of a meal. It can bring out the richness of a wood-fired steak, balance a savory sauce, and give everyone at the table a reason to slow down and enjoy another pour.
As we continue to develop the wine program at Cellar & Flame Steakhouse, we are pleased to welcome three distinctive Napa Valley names to our cellar: Napanook, Frank Family Vineyards, and Lion Tamer.
Each brings a different expression of Napa Valley to the table, from structured and elegant to rich, smooth, and immediately inviting.
Napanook: An Estate-Grown Napa Valley Classic
Napanook comes from the historic Napanook Vineyard in Yountville, the same estate that produces Dominus. The vineyard is dry-farmed, and Napanook is created to express the character of the estate while offering a style that can be enjoyed earlier than Dominus.
Cabernet Sauvignon leads the Bordeaux-style blend, with the precise composition varying by vintage. In the glass, guests can expect layers of dark fruit, spice, earth, and polished structure. It is a wine with depth and presence, but it remains balanced at the table.
What to pair with Napanook
Napanook is a natural companion for a wood-fired filet, New York strip, ribeye, or elk. Its structure stands up to the richness of the meat, while its savory character complements char from the grill, mushrooms, demi-glace, and other deeply flavored accompaniments.
Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon: Power with Grace
Frank Family Vineyards has become one of Napa Valley’s most recognizable producers. Its Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon draws much of its character from Rutherford and is made in a full-bodied, classically structured style.
The wine commonly shows dark berry and cassis flavors with notes of cocoa, tobacco, coffee, spice, and toasted oak. Fine tannins and a long finish give it the richness Cabernet lovers expect while keeping the wine polished and food-friendly.
What to pair with Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon
Choose Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon with a ribeye, New York strip, filet and bleu, or another dish with a savory, creamy, or boldly seasoned finish. The fruit and oak complement the caramelized exterior of a steak, while the tannins help balance its richness.
Lion Tamer: A Softer Side of Napa Cabernet
Lion Tamer is part of Hess Persson Estates and takes its name from the role Malbec plays in the wine. A touch of mountain-grown Malbec helps soften the natural power and tannin of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, creating a smooth and generous style.
Depending on the vintage, Lion Tamer Cabernet Sauvignon offers flavors such as black currant, dark plum, black cherry, espresso, baking spice, and oak. The result is rich and expressive, with supple tannins and an elegant finish.
What to pair with Lion Tamer
Lion Tamer is an approachable choice for guests who enjoy full-bodied red wine without overly firm tannins. Try it with a filet, bone-in pork chop, tenderloin beef tips, or a steak finished with blue cheese or a rich sauce.
Choosing the Right Bottle for Your Table
If you are deciding among the three, think about the style you enjoy most:
- Choose Napanook for structure, elegance, and a classic estate-grown Bordeaux-style blend.
- Choose Frank Family Cabernet Sauvignon for a full-bodied Napa Cabernet with dark fruit, polished tannins, and savory complexity.
- Choose Lion Tamer for a rich, smooth Cabernet style softened by Malbec.
Our team is always happy to help you choose a bottle based on your entrée, your preferred style, or the wines you already enjoy. You do not need to be a wine expert. You only need to know what tastes good to you.
Discover Something New at Cellar & Flame
These additions are part of our ongoing effort to create a wine list that feels exciting, approachable, and well suited to our wood-fired menu. Whether you are sharing a bottle over steaks or exploring a new Napa Valley favorite, we hope these wines add something memorable to your evening.
Reserve your table at Cellar & Flame Steakhouse in downtown Traverse City.
