I am in need of some decent wine, which is difficult at best to acquire in my lovely state (Utah). Wine is only distributed in state-run stores, and as such, storage is a serious concern. I want Champagne and white Burg, both of which fade quickly in poor conditions...which leaves my only option as mail order. Utah has strict laws, and most will not ship here because of that, save NJ. I am aware of popswine and supercellars, but have any of you tried others that have worked out? I am interested in selection, but more importantly storage quality, and lastly price. Thank you.
Forgive a slight quibble, but Pops is actually in NY.
I have done online ordering from 3 NJ retailers: Gary's (garyswine.com will lead you to Wine Access) - ok prices, never heard any concerns re storage (Madison store is cool during summer), can be good deals if sale items or w/mixed case discounts. Probably best selection of Burgundy overall (though come to think of it I've mostly bought reds there)
Wine Library (winelibrary.com) - I've bought older bottles, no problems. Same general price structure as Garys. A little more oriented towards hot "points" wines.
Supercellars- I tried based on a rec here. Got a mixed case. '97 Chablis showed no storage issues. I've heard someone say they were leery of their storage, but no bottles I've seen show issues.
Bertinelli's is supposed to be good, I've never tried.
I agree re white Burg and Champagne being most delicate. I buy80 % of my white burg and 90% of my Champagne at Rochambeau, as it's local and I have 100% confidence in them.
I agree about Gary's, although sometime's pricing is an issue there. Wine Libray is great and good storage.
Actually it's Bertelli's and they have a web site also. They are gopod, although the store is sometimes warm in summer. I have had no problems with any wines purchased from them. However, I think I have always purchased new releases.
Sadly, gary's... does not deliver to UT, nor does winelibrary. Only Bertelli's, which I was unaware of, and supercellars, for the record. If any other states or specific vendors are known to ship here, I'm all ears--er, eyes. Thanks for the info so far...
I'm afraid you might have to go the slow method of contacting individual stores. A lot use the "it's your responsibility to know your state's laws, you take possessionin our state, we just facilitate the shipping."
A little while back I posted following:
a few profiles of reputable websites:
Chambers St Wines
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: NYC based retailer (1-212-227-1434) , I shop there in person so don't use mailorder. But others do, and consistently rave about service and selection on the various wine boards. IMHO, one of top places (the top?) in country for wines that are ignored by Parker, WS et al - extremely deep in Loire, South of France, etc. Better German and Austrian selections than most. Very knowledgable staff, good prices. Good recommendations - if they tell you the Brun Terres Dorres Beaujolais is what you're looking for, try it!
Premier Cru (premiercru.net)- sometimes out of stock of things they say they have, but often probably best prices in country for Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rhone- esp. older stuff. US too. Not a place for advice.
Zachy's (zachys.com) prices range from really good to REALLY bad. But cherry-picking can lead to some bargains, if you time their sales.
I don't use as much, but Garagiste.com, Sam's in Chicago, K & L in Bay Area, Brentwood (but watch auctions- I learned from bitter experience than S & H charges can make expensive if you only get a few bottles), Winex in Orange County are all worth trying. Ditto Wine Library and Gary's Wine in NJ.
Places I had a problem: Garnet and Pops. Others love them both. Hell, someone even has been posting love paeans re Crossroads in NYC on another board, a place I regard as more a Wine-oven than Wine-Store. Dale
Well, I have read alot of the replies. This one is interesting. Could someone please email me an application to be on the "reputable websites" list. You can find us at
Well, Dave, I think a careful reader wuld be clearly able to see this was MY list.Just my personal opinions. To make that list, I have to order from you (based on recs from friends, mostly). I tend NOT to order from those that post commercial posts recommending their own sites to newsgroups I frequent. If someone posted regular opinions, with their affilation in their sig, I'd be likely to try them. But not someone who only toots their own horn.
You did get me to look at your site. Some good prices, some not so good. But listing Chinon as red Burgundy, Bernkasteler Doctor w/o producer, etc. does not breed confidence.
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