I live in DC area, which is the birthplace of Total Beverage(herbie
hanf and dart drug).

any store that big has a few mistakes. very few now a days.

most name brand wines(high end burgandy or boredeau) are the crummy
vintage.

most staff is new and does not know a lot about wine.

prices are pure cost + 50%(std markup).

almost all sales are on mystery wines.

On Sat, 26 Jan 2008 16:49:34 -0800, AxisOfBeagles >
wrote:

>
>Went down to the grand opening of Total Wine, the big east coast wine
>merchant that has now opened their first California store in Roseville
>(right near the BevMo, actually).
>
>First impression on walking in is - big, big inventory, and well
>merchandised. After a few minutes of walking around, had to go back and
>get a cart, because the next impression was - "there are some deals
>here".
>
>While many of the aisles are the same-old, same-old, some is definitely
>harder to find, or at least harder to find at those prices.
>
>We picked up a few things, here are some highlights ...
>
>* 2005 Bordeaux - the store has more in stock than anyone outside of
>K&L, that I know of.
>
>* 2004 Calon-Segur for $29.99. R u kidding?! Can't find this for much
>less than $40 anywhere else. Picked up 3 more to add to the inventory I
>already have - which I got pre-arrival for about $37. Sheesh.
>
>* 2004 Montebuena Rioja for only $8.99. This has been a well known
>Spanish QPR for a while - but usually at $10 or $11.
>
>* Torbreck Juveniles for $17.42
>
>* A Monbazillac (375 ml) for only $7.99.
>
>Lots of others.
>
>
>Not as impressed with their large but unimpressive California
>selections, although there are deals there too. But if you're in NOr
>Cal and bargain hunting for some Euro wines, this place is a must see.