Best NYC Specialist Retail Stores

Jay_Miller · December 11, 2018, 3:00pm

I used to shop there back when it was on Madison Avenue and was always very happy with them. I stopped into their Rockefeller location once about 8? years ago, browsed for a bit and saw some interesting wines on the shelves. Unfortunately I was unable to get the attention of any of the salespeople to buy them so I left and never went back.

Michael_S_Monie · December 11, 2018, 3:03pm

Any opinions about Sokolin?

Jayson_Cohen · December 14, 2018, 7:58pm

A couple very good experiences. Very good, attentive service. They sometimes have attractive pricing/sales and unique offerings.

Jayson_Cohen · December 14, 2018, 8:05pm

Here’s an example of what’s irksome about Zachy’s. I just got an e-mail touting prices up to 50% off. I was looking at Barolos:

They have the 2013 Vajra Albe marked down from $40 to $35. That’s only 12.5%, and there are three places in the NY area offering it for $29.

They show the 2012 Marchesi di Barolo Coste Rose marked down from $95 to $45. Sounds good, until you check and find that other retailers offer more desirable vintages for $43-$60.

The 2013 Vietti Castiglione is “marked down” from $75 to $50. The problem is that there are five other retailers in the NYC area on Wine Searcher that offer this for $43-$45.

The “regular” prices there are consistently a sham. And you always need to check the sale prices, because many times they’re well above the market.

And this is why I almost never take the bait anymore: such a waste of time trying to suss out if you are actually getting a deal. Add in hit-or-miss service and crossed shipping signals with them and they are easy to cross off your list, even if they do have a very extensive inventory.

How come nobody mentioned any shops in Brooklyn or Queens? There has to be places to go for good Greek selections or other offbeat wines.

There are a few good stores in Brooklyn. Like Slope Cellars and Vanderbilt. I don’t know of good wine stores in Queens but am also interested.

Kevin_Riordan · January 4, 2019, 6:33pm

I just ordered a case of La Serena Brunello from them. Was sold out elsewhere and they had it for a competitive price, and shipped it for free to Westchester. They even called me to confirm that it was shipped. Great experience.

MChang · January 4, 2019, 6:51pm

I buy a decent amount from Sokolin, nice shop.

Michael_S_Monie · January 5, 2019, 1:18am

Thanks to all who responded regarding Sokolin. I placed my first order today.

Brent_C_l_a_y_t_o_n · January 5, 2019, 2:16am

Hey!

For everyone complaining about Zachy’s, just a heads up that board member Ian Dorin has taken over the retail operations. Best wishes to him, maybe he can fix some of these problems!

As for Morrell, Eric Guido is the buyer and the Morrell family no longer has any direct involvement in the business. The team is solid. Most of what they do is online or over the phone, the retail operation is more of a showroom now.

cjsavino · January 5, 2019, 2:32am

What, Ian crossing the river again

YLee · January 5, 2019, 3:15am

Zachy’s store in Westchester needs to step it up. The staffs there were so clueless in their day to day functions.

Ian_Dorin · January 5, 2019, 3:29am

Thanks Brent!

Peter_Kleban · January 5, 2019, 3:35am

I like this place. I’ve had a few good ones from them. Small store, but not hard to navigate, friendly, and with an interesting selection. They carry Dirty & Rowdy which isn’t so easy to get from a store.

Peter_Kleban · January 5, 2019, 3:43am

Any thoughts on MCF Rare Wines? I buy from them occasionally. Had some good Bojos, Burgs, Italians from them. Nice store to visit. Went the other day, first time in at least two years, and Matt recognized me! (pease refrain, thanks)

alessandro_a · October 18, 2022, 2:57pm

For Burgundy all you need is Somm Cellars on 8 Riverside Blvd