Manhattan

[Scoop]

I didn't bring up Best Cellars because I thought they were already on the Upper West Side, and the originator of this thread had covered that part of town. Turns out, they haven't yet opened the West Side Store(y!).
Of course, this is Josh Wesson's very successful chain, born on the Upper East Side, and designed to provide the "best bottles in the world under $15" (it used to be $10), segmented by his trademarked nomenclature: e.g. "juicy", "lusicious", "fruity",etc. They have recently added a more expensive reserve section, too -- I guess moving upmarket is inevitable, even JW. For anyone intimidated by wine or who doesn't really want to think too much about the wines they buy, this is your store. And it has obviously tapped a large market. Very pop and slick, with some decent selections, but personally not the environment or approach I prefer. It would be great for malls (if they were allowed in!).

As for the others Botofogo mentioned, I haven't visited them in person, but I've heard some good things about The Burgundy Wine Company.

Cheers,

Scoop