Crush Wine and Spirits is anything but pretentious. The exterior of the store is so modest, you would never assume that past the automatic door is a 3,200 square foot space housing an array of carefully selected wines. Located on east 57th street, Crush is a Midtown gem that has been around for almost ten years. If the name Drew Nieporent doesn’t strike to you, then perhaps you should look into just a few of his restaurants (i.e, Tribecca Grill, Nobu, Corton.) He also happens to be the owner of this wine store along with managing partners Josh Guberman and experienced wine collector Robert Schagrin.

The design of this store is what makes this wine shop so special. Still wines to the right. Everything else to the left. (Sparking, sake, spirits, decanters, wine glasses, books, etc.) If you go further to the back is a private wine tasting room -which looks more like a private conference space- nicely upholstered with leather and mahogany. And adjacent to that is a temperature controlled room known as, “The Cube” where high-end rare finds are nicely tucked away behind a glass wall.

In the middle of the room are four to five stations where the salespersons anchor themselves to answering calls, handling online orders, and keeping an eye out for any patrons who need help being guided through the store. And even further to the back was a private office where a few more employees seem to be on their laptops. I didn’t understand why a midsize wine store required so many employees on site, as I witnessed one girl who stepped out the store, came back inside and unknowing of my presence, yelled, “It’s so nice outside, you guys!” . . . to which not a single soul replied. But perhaps their business is actually a lot larger in scope than it appears.

Their wines are organized from right to left: starts with German / Alsatian then to Esoteric, Spain, and Beaujolais and towards the back, rows of Bordeaux and Burgundy blends. All displayed against a glowing back-light, the bottles are carefully placed horizontally so the labels get the recognition it deserves. From top to bottom, the price ranges go from high to low, showcasing wines anywhere from $90 all the way down to $15. If you’re on an even lower budget, Crush offers discounted specials all displayed near the entrance ranging from $9 to $12 for a bottle. Not bad at all.

On the left side of the store is a nice collection of spirits, and a small fridge with: sake on top to chilled white wines in middle, and then to your Veuve Clicquots on the bottom. You will also come across some interesting glassware and accessories. Beautiful glasses from Champagne flutes, traditional Bordeaux and Burgundy, sherry and port glasses, to even a few old fashions. A few decanters were on display, as well as wine opening sets, perfect for a gift to your wine-obsessed friends.

Now, I didn’t get to see the Cube room or step into the wine tasting room (as it appeared at the time that it was occupied) but the staff so kindly guided me through the store and I for once did not feel like I was lost in an infinite abyss of unfamiliarity. The staff were available when needed but definitely not eager or overbearing … which I personally believe is the best kind of service.

I highly recommend Crush Wine and Spirits.

http://www.crushwineco.com/