A wine retail outlet located within a HDB block.
One does not see many of these around. When a wine buddy of mine, CK, mentioned that there is one within walking distance of where he lived in Ang Mo Kio, I made plans to go visit this outlet one evening.
Last week some free time came and off we went to visit JC Wine & Spirits located at Blk 332, Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, #01-1893, Singapore 560332. Tel: 6459 1380. You can alight at Ang Mo Kio mrt station and either take a walk or hop into a bus to get to this place.
When you are at Blk 332, the wine barrel you see outside one of the shops (near the middle of the row) provides a tell-tale clue as to where this wine retail outlet is located :) It’s a neat-looking and tidy outfit managed by the friendly Ms Gigi Ang who is in charge of retail and sales over here. It’s refreshing to see a ‘bottleshop’ located between a row of shops which are undertaking ‘traditional’ businesses one usually bears witness to in HDB shops :p
Operating in a limited area within a HDB shop can be challenging. The layout here makes good use of the space available to showcase the wines retailed in a customer-friendly uncluttered manner. One can still move around at ease to check out the wines carried for sale. The wines predominantly are from France, Spain, South Africa and New Zealand.
The affable Casey Heng was at hand to make recommendations on our purchases for the evening. We bought some wines to accompany us during dinner later that night and to see us safely through the rigours of the week.
Some wines I enjoyed are:
Bodegas Real Cava Brut Reserva, Spain NV. Made in the traditional method using varietals like Xarello, Macabeo and Parellada, this makes a good value for money sparkling wine for any occasion. Retailed at $32, it displays fine bubbles, good fruit notes in mid-palate, refreshing acidity and a pleasant finish. Worth stocking up for hot afternoons, warm evenings, starters, salads and most sandwiches :)
2008 Konrad Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand. Cherry, plum and vanilla notes on the nose; this is a light to medium bodied pinot which shows strawberry and ripe cherry flavours on the palate, displays soft body, smooth tannins and texture, and sufficient acidity to provide good balance to this wine. It shows well when slightly chilled prior to tasting (so let it spend a little time in an ice bucket before drinking).
2008 Bodegas Carchelo Sierva, Jumilla, Spain. A monastrell blend, this is a hefty wine for those wanting some body, depth and mouth-fill. Aerate it in a decanter a short while for this wine to open up and show itself. It displays sweet ripe fruit aromas on the nose; ripe plum flavours on the palate; rounded body with smooth texture, supple and integrated tannins and a lingering finish. A wine which will be comfortable with a juicy steak :p
Check out the shop if you happen to be living near in the neighbourhood :)
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