ZOMFG: "World's best wine shop" opens in London

WINE TALK
21

For what it’s worth, I have know Alister Viner for many years now, and I think he is probably one of the best in the business (He was Harrod’s wine director for something like 16 years. HE does a really outstanding job of sourceing these things. Of course, the wines in question…are unquestionably rare.

22

Yeah, no one’s questioning whether he’s made the best efforts in good faith. It’s just how many authentic versions of such ancient, sought-after, frequently faked wines are likely to become available on the secondary market within an 18-month period.

23

I think the main point is that they weren’t available on the secondary market.

these were not bought willy-nilly off someone advertising on winesearcher - they were sought out from well known collections.

Of course in this day and age we all expect the worse. All we can do is eliminate the element of chance by checking provenance as best you can.

On the other hand, the store does have an eclectic selection of wines from $20+, from all over the globe, including a huge range of spirits and sparkling (no '62 Krug blanc de blancs!!)

24

The irony for those with the background knowledge [wink.gif] is that the Royal Wine Merchants in NYC is offering the bottle for $3,875.

25

The markups are pretty high–there’s nothing below $25 or so

Without feeling overly negative tonight (although the moon calendar doesn’t recommend drinking wine after 11 PM), to me this sounds more like the worst wine shop in the World.
I think Terry Theise would call this a ‘loud’ wine shop [cheers.gif]

26

Ulrich,

You might feel that from afar and even on entering the store. However, within 5 minutes of talking to the incredibly helpful, knowledgeable and keen staff you’ll change your view.

Dan

27

+1 on the staff. I went back today and had a really nice conversation with their Italian specialist. I splurged on a 2001 Miani Merlot, a wine I’ve been hankering to try for awhile but was never able to find. I also tried some stuff from their dispensers (not the '01 Yquem yet). They ranged from the putrid (2004 Torbreck Run Rig was blueberry cough medicine) to the outstanding (1995 Cos d’Estournel was surprisingly open and resolved and the first good Cos I’ve ever had, significantly better than a disappointing 1982 I opened awhile back).

28

wink, wink is right . . .