The wine list

Why is it that some of the most modest lists have some of the highest markups?

At Mission Rock Resort, the list is what you might find in a pretty good supermarket, the inventory isn’t extensive, and the markups start at more than double retail and go up from there.

There 45 selections are separated by “Old World” and “New World” designations. No vintages are given, which I assume means they are all current vintages. If that’s the case, the 2011 Zenato Pinot Grigio that you can buy on Amazon for $8.99 is $30 at Mission Rock.

Local wines are marginally better priced. For example, the Conn Creek Cabernet Sauvignon — I assume it’s a 2009 — is about $20 a bottle, even less by the case; it’s $40 here.

From my experience, you’re pretty much on your own in selecting the wine. More than half are available by the glass, from $7 for the Navarro Correas Syrah from Argentina to $14 for the Barbed Oak Chardonnay; that’s also the best deal, since it retails for $32.

Cocktails are another option, but the quality is uneven. At times they can be unbalanced; at other times they compete with the best in the city. One favorite is Tie One On ($10) with Bulleit Bourbon, cucumber, basil, lime and salt.

Another totally safe option is beer. There are eight on draft, including Devil’s Canyon Full Boar Scotch Ale from Belmont ($6), Trumer from Berkeley ($6) and Bud Light from St. Louis ($5). The 14 bottle selections include things like Pabst Blue Ribbon ($4), Red Stripe ($5), Sierra Nevada Pale Ale ($5) and the nonalcoholic Kaliber ($5).

If you bring your own wine, corkage is $15.