Originally posted by DRLSUBARU:Oliver T's. Its on the south side so its about 45 from Roch Hills. You should peek in there if you ever are in the area. It's on Hill Rd, east of 75.
Never heard of them. Next time I am on my way to Birch Run I will stop and check them out. Thanks for the tip.
Dont go out of your way. It might have been good a few years ago, but when browsing there a month or so ago, nothing special, price wise, at all. MUCH better prices at Costco!!! For decent pricing and variety in Detroit: East side: Woods (G-P Woods). West side: Wine Barrel (Livonia)
This message has been edited. Last edited by: KSC02,
Originally posted by khmark7: grossie do you feel that Costco has better prices than Binnys or Samswine in the Chicago area?? I'm contemplating a Costco membership.
I think it's true that you don't need a membership to buy wine. OTOH I buy a lot more than wine there, and so it's worth it for me.
As for prices, generally the wine prices at Costco are very fair, often beating others by a couple of bucks. Once in a while there are screaming deals there, like the Latour I just picked up. You can't find that under $250 anywhere, and even $350 at most places. Of course I'm sure the few I left behind yesterday are gone now, so it's a bit of luck-of-the-draw.
If I lived far from Costco (mine is less that 5 minutes from my house), and if I wasn't buying anything but wine there I wouldn't bother. Given my personal situation I make much more back on my 2% reward being a gold costco member than I pay for the membership each year, so it's a no-brainer.
******* Not looking good for next year either.
Posts: 4566 | Location: Chicago | Registered: May 24, 2002
If I lived far from Costco (mine is less that 5 minutes from my house), and if I wasn't buying anything but wine there I wouldn't bother. Given my personal situation I make much more back on my 2% reward being a gold costco member than I pay for the membership each year, so it's a no-brainer.
Just thought about it and realized that there are now 9 Costcos within 30 min of my house. Though one specializes in business supplies (can get great restaurant-quality cookware here) and one is a home furniture center.
*********** "I was thinking how nothing lasts. And what a shame that is." --Benjamin Button
Posts: 3717 | Location: Everett, WA | Registered: Mar 08, 2002
khmark- it wouldn't surprise me if the person answering the phone didn't know about the wine and liquor exception. Ask to speak to the manager and tell them specifically that you heard that it's illegal to require membership to buy wine or liquor. I believe that's true here too. I might be wrong, and I'm sure a google search would tell us, but I'm too lazy to do that right now.
******* Not looking good for next year either.
Posts: 4566 | Location: Chicago | Registered: May 24, 2002
Originally posted by KSC02: For decent pricing and variety in Detroit: East side: Woods (G-P Woods). West side: Wine Barrel (Livonia)
Off topic, but... I have enjoyed Woods, but a small shop and their selection is a bit limited. I have never been to the Wine Barrel, I will have to check it out. My favorites are Champanes (Warren), Red Wagon (Roch Hills - extra credit for being within a mile of my house), and Village Corner (Ann Arbor) for their European selection and tastings.
Posts: 540 | Location: Rochester Hills, Michigan | Registered: Nov 29, 2001
Let's clarify: there is a standard markup applied to all imported wines. Each province's liquor monopoly establishes their own, with BC generally running highest. After that has been applied, federal GST (6%) and provincial liquor tax (10% in BC) get added on. That's the base price. The few private wine stores must purchase through the liquor monopoly and are not allowed to undercut them. Most private stores add an additional markup to ensure profit.
Quick examples of Sauternes prices (all 375 ml): 1998 Tour Blanche C$48, D'Yquem $230; 2001 De Malle $54, D'Yquem $315; 2003 La Garde Blanc $39. That should give you some perspective. I'll bet the last one can be had dirt cheap in the US.
Regarding D'Arenberg, I don't think we get their products any cheaper, but because the markup formula is applied consistently, we don't get any middleman gouging when a wine is highly rated or retail gouging when a wine suddenly becomes desirable. I think that's what happened with Dead Arm prices in the US. A few years back I asked my wife to bring back a couple bottles of Cab from an LA trip she was taking. I didn't mention price to her, but gave her a list of wines (based on WS ratings) that I thought would be interesting, all in the $50-60 range. She brought back Duckhorn Cab, and paid $90 at a well-know LA shop which had raised their price as soon as the ratings came out. That doesn't happen in the government-run stores here. Anyway, all my griping gets me nowhere, so I'm done.
Sometimes the prices we pay actually make me sick. Then I go to the doctor, and he doesn't charge me a penny for my treatment. I think that's because he feels sorry for me, knowing how I'm being gouged by my own government. [/QUOTE]
Myself AND my doctor feel your pain as apparently we have the same pain in the Wallet. Canada's liquor Distribution is akin to Communism really.... Its a JOKE and yet we sit back and take it. Good old Canada, all bitch and NO action!
Opinion is nothing but truth for the Expert!
Posts: 195 | Location: Vancouver B.C | Registered: Mar 23, 2007
Costco Wholesale Membership is not required for purchases of alcohol in the following states: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Texas and Vermont.
I found this on some website via google. Too much time on my hands I guess...
Originally posted by khmark7: Costco Wholesale Membership is not required for purchases of alcohol in the following states: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Texas and Vermont.
I found this on some website via google. Too much time on my hands I guess...
When I lived on the mainland, near the Oak Brook IL Costco, I would buy wine w/o a membership. I would go to the service desk, get a pass, and buy what I wanted. When I checked out, a manager would have to override the cash register somehow. It was a bit of a hassle for them, but so what?!
******** "But, if ye wish her grateful prayer, Gie her a haggis!" -Robert Burns
Posts: 1080 | Location: Paradise (or 2400 miles from anywhere) | Registered: Feb 28, 2004
Originally posted by khmark7: Costco Wholesale Membership is not required for purchases of alcohol in the following states: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Texas and Vermont.
I found this on some website via google. Too much time on my hands I guess...
Interesting, did not know this. Thanks!
-IB
"Wine only turns into alcohol if you let it sit."---Lindsay Bluth
Posts: 6253 | Location: Naptown | Registered: Nov 24, 2006
When I lived on the mainland, near the Oak Brook IL Costco, I would buy wine w/o a membership. I would go to the service desk, get a pass, and buy what I wanted. When I checked out, a manager would have to override the cash register somehow. It was a bit of a hassle for them, but so what?!
Listen to this guy- rubbing it in like "when I was your age". Yada yada. There's no proof you live in Hawaii any more than that I live in Tahiti.
******* Not looking good for next year either.
Posts: 4566 | Location: Chicago | Registered: May 24, 2002
When I lived on the mainland, near the Oak Brook IL Costco, I would buy wine w/o a membership. I would go to the service desk, get a pass, and buy what I wanted. When I checked out, a manager would have to override the cash register somehow. It was a bit of a hassle for them, but so what?!
Listen to this guy- rubbing it in like "when I was your age". Yada yada. There's no proof you live in Hawaii any more than that I live in Tahiti.
ha ha....You DON'T like in Tahiti...or is that a tepee? So, when are you coming out to visit?
******** "But, if ye wish her grateful prayer, Gie her a haggis!" -Robert Burns
Posts: 1080 | Location: Paradise (or 2400 miles from anywhere) | Registered: Feb 28, 2004
Originally posted by winewine: Can someone pls post the item number for the Latour? Thanks!
2004 Latour is 173844
i don't know if its the same latour but this ones a burgundy (gevrey-chambertin) priced at $64. theres a chateau beaucastel for $75. Just want to know if those are good prices.
theres also a 2003 ornalleia for $100 at another store...
Posts: 501 | Location: Los Angeles, CA | Registered: Oct 01, 2006
2004 Leoville las Cases 2004 Vieux Chateau Certan Both $75.99
I passed on 04 Mouton and Margaux at $165 each.
---------- "Sometimes when I reflect back on all the wine I drink I feel shame. Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the vineyards and all of their hopes and dreams . If I didn't drink this wine, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. Then I say to myself, 'It is better that I drink this wine and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver."
- Jack Handy
Posts: 1112 | Location: San Diego | Registered: Jan 17, 2006
I bought: 2005 d'Arenberg Laughing Magpie (RP 93) $18.99
Would have bought if I didn't already have: 2005 Two Hands Bella's (WS 95) $52.99 2004 Montes Alpha M (WS 94) $62.99 (both are from memory, price might be off by a buck)
Posts: 106 | Location: SF | Registered: Mar 04, 2007