a case at a time

[barnesy]

The shop you shop is key. The shop I frequent offers a 10% on 6-11 btls, 15 on full cases and 20% off cases mixed or whole on their "critical list" items (items they guarentee you'll like and all under $20). I always shop for the mixed case. Some shops may have something for a buck less a bottle, but my shop never steers me wrong when I ask for recommendations and if I tell them a price range they rarely go over my limit unless its something they insist is worth the bit extra. They are almost never wrong. They know my tastes and cater to them.

Spend your time going to different shops, buy a bottle or two from those you get a good vibe from. Go to their tastings. Once you find a shop that takes care of you and meets your wine drinking desires, stick with them. Service is worth a bit extra on the bottle. You get what you pay for. Even when I know exactly what I am looking for on some of my purchases, the next time in I'll throw them a couple curveballs just to keep my palate adventursome.

Barnesy