Have you ever savored a bottle of wine, raved about it to friends, then helplessly stood in the wine aisle unable to remember the wine’s name? Have you scanned the wine list in your favorite steakhouse, racking your brain on the wine’s region or varietal, finally surrendering to old standby choices?

Fear not, wine adventurers. After a year of research, preparation and experimentation with winemakers and wineries, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar introduces this year’s new Fleming’s 100, an exclusive selection of 100 wines by the glass, (30 of these wines are $10 and under) along with their new private-label wine, the 2015 46-Diamonds cabernet sauvignon. The Fleming’s 100 ranges from the refreshing South African Protea to an earthy, complex Bodegas Izadi from Spain. You can discover (and remember) these delectable wines long after the last drop is relished with the steakhouse’s tableside custom app, WiNEPAD.

While this app doesn’t replace the sommelier, it’s a great way to learn about new wines and veer off of the traditional cabernet choice into more courageous culinary territory. WiNEPAD offers patrons several features including pairings based on the customer’s food selections, an email with the wine’s name, tasting notes and an image of the label and for indecisive risk takers, a spin the bottle game that suggests a different wine selection each time.

“At Fleming’s, we want to allow guests to explore wine and be adventurous with their journey,” said Fleming’s national wine director Maeve Pesquera. “We want our customers to allow their childlike-wonder to make honest observations about a wine’s smell and taste.”

Pesquera worked alongside the Statesbery family of Ladera Vineyards on Napa’s Howell Mountain to create 46 Diamonds, which releases October 24. The cabernet sauvignon was aged for 20 months and is a deep, aromatic wine that pairs well with Fleming’s legendary steaks.

After your wine choices are secured, the menu options are endless. Chef partner Justin Yoakum and his team serve a petite filet mignon matched with chipotle cheddar macaroni and cheese that is true perfection. Some of Fleming’s new happy hour (8-10 pm) $9 menu items are the seared mini Ahi Tuna tacos which are covered in creamy soy-lime aioli and North Atlantic lobster lettuce wraps mixed with crumbled bacon and radish jicama slaw that share just the right amount of flavor. Finally, the deconstructed Balvenie smores bar take a sophisticated look at a traditionally comfort food dessert.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar
2405 West Alabama Street
Houston, TX 77098
713.520.5959

By Autumn Rhea Carpenter

Photos Courtesy of Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar