| Author |
Message |
    
Master Plvmber
Citizen
Username: Master_plvmber
Post Number: 324
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 9, 2005 - 4:49 pm: |     |
Last month, I tried to buy some wine I'd had in Italy in November but I couldn't find here anywhere.
Wine Library told me they could get it but I had to commit to a half-case per wine.
One was $31/bt, the other $23/bt.
I gave my credit card to secure the order.
After a week or so they called and told me one was in but not the other.
Fine.
I went to pick up my half-filled order.
When I got there they couldn't find it and were very apologetic.
What could I do?
I drove home (Sunday) and emailed the special orders guy and asked him what happened.
No kicking. No screaming. Just following up.
The next day he emailed me back, again apologized, and told me they found the wine and were sending it to my home free of charge.
He added that when the other wine arrived, they would send that, too.
They sent me over $300 worth of great wine, that I couldn't get anyone else to order for me, for free because they felt they had inconvenienced me.
I’ll never buy wine anywhere else.
You can’t beat that place.
Master Plvmber |
LilRedCorvette
Citizen
Username: Lilredcorvette
Post Number: 178
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 9, 2005 - 6:33 pm: | |
Wow, I wish I had that experience!! My recent experience was good, but not that good.
I recently went in there after renovations and it's absolutely amazing!! They had everything I was looking for, even some obscure labels. The sales reps were so helpful and friendly. And it was about 20-30% less expensive than any other place around.
Kudos to Wine Library! |
indi13
Citizen
Username: Notupset
Post Number: 12
Registered: N/A
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 9, 2005 - 9:28 pm: | |
I used to go to Paterson, Bayonne, NYC to get good wine at these prices.
Wine lovers in our area are lucky to have the Library.
|
Dave
Moderator
Username: Dave
Post Number: 5223
Registered: 4-1998
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 9, 2005 - 9:44 pm: | |
Was it this, by any chance?
http://www.grapeswine.com/sku3199010.html
Bastianich Vespa Rosso 750ml 2001
I like it and it's not easy finding by the bottle. And my buddy was minding their vineyard (in friuli) in 2001, but later married an Italian girl and is living there and is only able to get discounts for me if he shows up in person in NYC.
Damn him. |
Master Plvmber
Citizen
Username: Master_plvmber
Post Number: 325
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 9, 2005 - 10:06 pm: | |
No, Dave. Bastianich wines are produced by Joe Bastianich, son of Lidia (Lidia's Italian Table) on PBS. They are partners with Mario Batali (Molto Mario) in an Italian wine store:
Italian Wine Merchants
108 East 16th Street
New York, NY 10003
Phone: 212.473.2323
Fax: 212.473.1952
sergio@italianwinemerchant.com
You can find that wine there.
Master Plvmber
|
Dave
Moderator
Username: Dave
Post Number: 5227
Registered: 4-1998
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 9, 2005 - 10:17 pm: | |
I know. My buddy had his wedding reception there. Guess who cooked?
My hope is to find a more local source; last time I was at IWM and picked up 2 bottles, I dropped one at the PATH while fumbling for my fare card.  |
Master Plvmber
Citizen
Username: Master_plvmber
Post Number: 326
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 7:56 am: | |
Don't I feel silly now.
It was these wines:
Villa Matilde "Cecubo" Nebbiolo 2001
Icardi "Surisjvan" Langhe Nebbiolo 1999
Master Plvmber |
jet
Citizen
Username: Jet
Post Number: 739
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 8:08 am: | |
I liked It before the renovations. Yes they do have the best prices , but unfortunatly the biggest wine sellers in the world don't have a liquor license around here, Costco. |
Hank Zona
Citizen
Username: Hankzona
Post Number: 2013
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 8:59 am: | |
I have mixed feelings about the Wine Library.
Undoubtedly, from a pure business perspective, the owner has built a wildly successful enterprise, largely through its on-line presence. The size allows him to buy whole lots of wine and offer exclusives and prices that are lower than most anywhere. I am on their mailing list and get an email almost daily..you cant beat that sort of outreach and marketing.
I think what bothers me though is the arrogance. The tone in alot of his emails is that we should trust him because he knows best and we're all crazy/stupid not to take his suggestions. At times, some of the staff has that same "trust me..we know best" attitude.
Ive also been to the newly renovated store a few times and either am not used to it or see it as not as well laid out or as well stocked with as wide a variety as it was before. That could be my perception or could be because he is moving the vast majority of his stock through internet orders from all over the state and doesnt put as much out on the floor. Another thing about the suggestions and features..I have found over time that they are not always the "no-brainers" they bill them to be. I can compare it to the old Wine Cellars of Millburn which also had a number of monthly featured wines which I found to be more on target more often.
I will still buy wine there (it is certainly convenient)..and still read the emails...but I also like Stirling Wines in Stirling and Gary's in Madison and Sparrow in Hoboken. If I need a bottle in a real hurry, the only place I will go to in town is Maplewood Wine and Liquor, the wine store on Highland...the owner is a friendly guy and his selection and prices have improved over time. To me, wine is a sociable thing, and that includes the relationship you have with the people you buy it from...and with so much good wine being produced at a range of price points, I dont have to put all my purchasing eggs (or bottles) in one basket. |
drewdix
Citizen
Username: Drewdix
Post Number: 822
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 9:09 am: | |
Unfortunately, they seem to have diminished their beer selection.
I understand they may just see that as not their "focus" or whatever, but it seems like a huge underdeveloped market opportunity.
even if beer has a slimmer margin, use it as a loss leader to sell your wine.
I agree with Hank about the selection lately (esp. champagne). No idea why anything (good) that Maplewood Wine has, they shouldn't have (and at a better price). |
Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 1349
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 9:10 am: | |
Time to open The Beer Library? Now THAT would be destination shopping for my husband. |
kevin
Supporter
Username: Kevin
Post Number: 423
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 9:14 am: | |
Master Plvmber,
Are they really giving you the wine for free or are they just shipping it to your place free of charge?
|
eliz
Supporter
Username: Eliz
Post Number: 986
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 9:20 am: | |
I'm a big fan of the Wine Library as well and never had the arrogant experience of Hank but I have to admit I don't do well with change and I like the old store better and the way the wines were displayed so all the wines and descriptions were at eye level (despite the crowded aisles).
I have always found the staff incredibly accomodating - I special order a certain NZ wine that I like and they always remember, know my name etc (perhaps I spend too much time there... ).
I like that for parties when you are unsure how much liquor you are going to need you can just buy a bunch and return whatever is unopened without any hassle.
And I especially like the prices which are hard to beat. |
oots
Citizen
Username: Oots
Post Number: 190
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 9:37 am: | |
the new beer section is still under construction.
oots |
Master Plvmber
Citizen
Username: Master_plvmber
Post Number: 327
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 1:57 pm: | |
I thought I might not have been clear.
They charged me for neither the wine nor the shipping.
Whoo-hooo!
Master Plvmber |
AlleyGater
Citizen
Username: Alleygater
Post Number: 56
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 10:22 pm: | |
Yeah, I've been waiting to see what the beer section would look like too. I liked the old beer selection but thought it was a bit pricey. I remember getting a six pack of Grant's Orange Hefeweizen for (I'm guessing here) $9-11. I don't usually spend that much but I do like my beer (admitted beer snob here) and it sounded really interesting, like I might never see it again. Well, when I was in CA I stopped into the Trader Joes, and HOLY POOP ON STICK, do they have a great beer selection. It blows away the mostly boring selection of beer offered in the Westfield TJ. Well there was the Grants Orange Hefeweizen, for a measly $5.99. I sure felt like a chump.
Over $300 worth of goods and services for free, that's outrageous. I guess your required to be a customer for life. ;-) |
davidbuckley
Citizen
Username: Davidbuckley
Post Number: 238
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, February 10, 2005 - 11:35 pm: | |
I was really thrilled to hear MP's story because I love it when any merchant or service provider steps up and does the right thing, especially when, as in this case, they really go overboard to serve a customer.
I will say though that I too have always found a certain arrogant "trust us " attitude at WL. When I clearly know more about wine than any of the salespeople who deigned to entertain my questions we're all in trouble because I ain't no sommelier!
I will go see the new place sometime soon anyway, just to see it, see if I like the feeling better and give 'em another chance in light of MP's experience.
Gary's in Madison is very nice though I've not been there in a while. The Costco in Wayne has a license, btw.
Best wine advice: try stuff you've never heard of, write it down and buy more if you like it. If you buy some wine you've never heard of (even some made from a grape or grapes you've never heard of) every time you stock up, you'll learn a lot and have fun.
Be well and drink well, all.
David Buckley |
Wendyn
Supporter
Username: Wendyn
Post Number: 1356
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Friday, February 11, 2005 - 7:48 am: | |
As a non-drinker I have really appreciated the staff at the Wine Library. They helped my husband pick some excellent wine that impressed my wine-snob father and his wife. My step-mother liked it so much she bought a case! No way could we pick wine like they can. And my husband liked their beer selection. I guess they need to learn to read their clients better and treat the wine aficionados with more respect. But those of us who are wine-challenged can appreciate their attitude.
Oh and I LOVE that their parking lot is now accessible from 124...less traffic on Millburn Ave! |
ML
Supporter
Username: Ml1
Post Number: 2280
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, February 11, 2005 - 9:01 am: | |
Hank,
I'm with you on Maplewood Wine and Liquor. They're 1000% better for buying wine than they were when the new ownership took over. Initially, I couldn't find anything in there -- I don't recall the method they used to organize, but it was not intuitive at all.
Since then, they've widened the selections, and reorganized the shelves in a more logical way. What's interesting about the place is that they don't ever recommend stuff, but occasionally they ask me what I like about the things I'm buying. I guess they're doing their own informal research on who's buying what, and how they describe it. And their prices are pretty good, too.
Just another plug for buying locally.  |
Cubeless
Citizen
Username: Cubey
Post Number: 123
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Friday, February 11, 2005 - 8:29 pm: | |
I am a Wine Library regular also, but you do need to beware of some of their pricing/advertising. They recently sent out an email for a wine that they said was on super clearance at $23.99 (was $39.99)...I checked Wine Spectator and they listed the price at $17. This was a current vintage wine. Paying a little over list price is fine with me, but don't advertise it as originally priced at $39.99. That's just untrue.
Also, I generally don't agree with their Wine Library rating scores for their featured wines.
Aside from those issues, I think their customer service is great, their web site is great, and over all the prices are lower than most.
Another great place to go for wine is in Somerville on Route 22. Super Saver...it's definitely not a high-brow place, but they have good prices and they carry quite a bit of stuff I don't see elsewhere...also a great beer selection.
|
mickey
Citizen
Username: Mickey
Post Number: 223
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, February 12, 2005 - 9:06 am: | |
If I try a wine I've never had before, I go with the Robert Parker ratings, not the WL ratings. I will need much more time and comparison to trust the WL's ratings. I do really like the store, tho.
|
canismajor
Citizen
Username: Canismajor
Post Number: 307
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, February 13, 2005 - 3:43 pm: | |
I've become a fan of Total Wine on Rt. 22 in Union (far end of the WalMart parking lot). If you know your wines and don't need a lot of direction from the staff, this is the place to go. The selection is comprehensive, and the prices are great. |
xavier67
Citizen
Username: Xavier67
Post Number: 457
Registered: 6-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2005 - 12:27 pm: | |
My feelings about WL are similar to Hank's. And their "trust-me" attitude doesn't always translate to informed advice. I'm always looking to try new regions and producers but I need to be convinced in a language I can understand why I should try this obscure producer from Umbria or Priorat or where ever. And many of the staff can't go beyond, "It's great, try it." Tell me why it's great, and why it justifies the price, then I'll try it.
I am also constantly disappointed by their meager selections from some of my favorite regions (like the Loire and Friuli and Beaujolais).
Regarding Italian Wine Merchants, I will never, ever shop there again. I got scammed there on gift certificates several years ago and never went back. And talk about arrogance! They know Italian wines like no one else! Especially ones with bloated prices.
A great wine store in the city is Chambers Street Wines. Unfortunately, their location precludes more than a visit every few months. |
Soulful Mr T
Citizen
Username: Howardt
Post Number: 144
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, March 6, 2005 - 5:16 pm: | |
Speaking of wine, I was in San Francisco for a week, returned Friday night. As I'm not very into California wines, I'd thought I'd go out and shop for some while I was there. Man, is wine expensive out there. You can't touch a decent Pinot, Cab or Zin for under $13 or $14. I bought a few though, and so far, they are deeelicious. |
MARK J ESPOSITO
Citizen
Username: Clinger9
Post Number: 8
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 5:51 pm: | |
would you be interested G in setting up a wine tasting party. I even bring a bottle. |
Soulful Mr T
Citizen
Username: Howardt
Post Number: 172
Registered: 11-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2005 - 8:32 pm: | |
Let's drink all that wine the the Plumber got for free! Yaaaay!! |
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