Decanter World Wine AwardsLondon's Hedonism offers ‘pinnacle of wine retail’
- Monday 20 August 2012
Hedonism stocks one of only 12 Penfolds Ampoules available in the world
Hedonism Wines, which opened last week (16 August), stocks around 1,000 spirits and 3,500 wines, focusing on what it calls the ‘creme de la creme’ from each region.
Rare products on sale in the Davies Street store – backed by Russian mobile phone tycoon Yevgeny Chichvarkin and involving former Harrods wine and spirits buyer Alistair Viner – include 1999 DRC La Tache, Taylor’s 1945 vintage Port and a complete vertical of Masseto.
The store is also stocking one of only 12 Penfolds Ampoules available worldwide – the A$168,000 luxury bottling of 2004 Kalimna Block 42 Cabernet Sauvignon.
Hedonism Wines CEO Tatiana Fokina said part of the shop’s specialism was a focus on ‘iconic and quirky products’.
‘We felt there was not one wine shop in London and potentially the world that can be called the best,’ she added.
‘We are aiming to become the pinnacle of wine retail, providing first of all an exceptional level of customer service and a personal, concierge-like approach to every customer.’
Hedonism is to offer delivery within the hour in central London using electric vans, as well as customer parking and a children’s play area.
The shop also provides warm throws for customers to wear in its fully temperature and humidity controlled environment.
Staff members include a number of former sommeliers from Michelin-starred restaurants.
Have your say!
Richard Griffin
November 26 20:42
I have to disagree with the above. I emailed Headonism asking for advice for a present. My budget was £100. The response was fast, friendly and spot on.
Pong Wang
November 20 13:46
In agreement with previous comment. A brash, swaggering statement ideal for the tasteless, money obsessed environment of Mayfair.
Are the staff really going to have knowledge of 4500 products? More to the point does anyone ever need that kind of selection?
Another gimmick ridden wine bar that will look embarrassingly dated in a decade. Well done!!
Andrew
August 21 16:16
So by 'pinnacle of wine retail' they mean the most expensive? That's a very restricted view of what would make the best wine store.
I would say that the best wine store would be one that can serve a complete novice as well as a experienced buyer with unlimited wallet. This place may be of interest of a quick stop but I can't see it being any better than somewhere like the Wine Society or my local Hedley Wright store where the service is fantastic and not at all pretentious.