Wine Spectator’s 2013 Restaurant Wine List has recognized Cuistot in Palm Desert with a Best of Award Excellence.
This award gives special recognition to restaurants that clearly exceed the requirements of the Award of Excellence. Only 850 winners were selected across the globe. These lists typically offer 400 or more selections, along with superior presentation, and display either vintage depth, with several vertical offerings of top wines, or excellent breadth across several wine regions.
Spencer’s Restaurant in Palm Springs also received a Best of Award Excellence.
Six other Palm Desert restaurants and two in Rancho Mirage also earned 2013 Award of Excellence for wine lists that offer a well-chosen selection of quality producers, along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style.
The Palm Desert restaurants include:
• Mastro’s Steakhouse
• Mitch’s on El Paseo Prime Seafood
• Morton’s, The Steakhouse
• Pacifica Seafood Restaurant
• Ruth's Chris Steak House
The Rancho Mirage restaurants include:
• Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
• The Steakhouse at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa
To qualify for an award, the list must present complete, accurate wine information. It must include vintages and appellations for all selections, including wines available by the glass. Complete producer names and correct spellings are mandatory, while the overall presentation and appearance of the list is also taken into consideration.
After meeting these basic requirements, lists are judged for one of three awards – Grand Award, Best of Awards of Excellence and Award of Excellence.