New Haven Independent

Posted by: MattUva | July 9, 2008 10:11 PM

There is already enough room in Mr. Mardoaia's store to accommodate a fine wine selection. Unfortunately, he'd have to reduce the amount of 40's, singles, and small format (read: drink 'em on the go) bottles in order to bring in fine wine.
The only reason for increased storage space is to buy larger quantities of booze when it is on "deep post" (liquor biz lingo there; it means super cheap) in order to hold him through to the next "post period" (sometimes as long as 6 months). It's how the big boys operate, and is how they're always able to keep their prices at state minimum (there is a law that governs liquor pricing).
Most of the "state minimum" stores are either big box retailers, who require a costly drive to get to and are only convenient when other shopping is being done, or "nip and beer joints" who need a way to attract customers, as opposed to offering good customer service and a knowledge of their products. Many of these "nip and beer joints", as indicated by the Liquor Control Commission's website (and list of infractions) will do anything for a buck, including selling to minors, selling after-hours, selling below state minimum, tax evasion, and other shady, back-door dealings.
Does Yale's discouragement of leaving "campus" (as indicated in the Frosh handbook) have anything to do with his recent requests? And what over-21 student won't already shop off-campus?
I wish Mr. Mardoaia no ill will, but does he really think he can sell Cheval Blanc next to Colt 45? Does he really think he can sell high end wines without rudimentary knowledge of the product? Can he tell the difference between right bank and left bank? On sight or smell alone?
CT law requires liquor stores to pay their bills within 30 days -- some distributors then have a ten day "grace" period. Will he sell 12 bottles of $45 California cult-cab in 30 days? If he doesn't, what will he do to pay his bills?
I can give you a list of Bridgeport stores that tried to sell to both markets, only to fall behind, and resort to less than preferable tactics to pay their bills.
Again, I'd love to see him succeed (even if it sounds otherwise) but this just seems waaaaaaaaaaay too fishy for me.
If all goes well for Mr. Mardoaia, I'll voluntarily throw my foot in my mouth and buy some wine from him, but really, would you buy sirloin from a taco stand?

Posted by: MattUva (elmcitywino) | July 9, 2008 10:13 PM

P.S.
"Taco Stands" tend to make more money than small Mom-and-Pop shops who sell for both love-of-wine and small profit.
Good luck, Mr. Mardoaia.