Artisan Cellars
#B1-01 Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Rd., 6838-0373. Mon-Sat 11:30am-8pm
Best for: Those who are seriously into the bubbly. They’ve got a list of about 100 different varieties on offer, with an emphasis on boutique grower champers. Their focus on Old World French classics from Burgundy, especially reds, is also impressive.
Number of labels carried: About 200
Price range: $50-10,000
Quick picks: Schloss Lieser, Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese 2009 ($60), Dosnon & Lepage Cuvee Alliae NV ($145), Jacques Selosse Brut Initial Grand Cru NV ($213)
Culina
#01-13 Blk. 8 Dempsey Hill, Dempsey Rd., 6474-7338. Mon- Thu 10am–9pm, Fri-Sun 9am–9pm
Best for: If you’re a novice wine drinker, the range of offerings from well established wineries from Australia, Spain, Italy and USA, many of which are familyowned, aren’t the least bit intimidating.
Number of labels carried: About 300
Price range: $23-3,100
Quick picks: Mount Nelson Sauvignon Blanc 2008 ($38), Torbreck Bothie 2010 ($42), Torres Mas La Plana 2005 ($89)
Booze Wine Shop
111 Jalan Besar, 6294-7500. Mon-Fri 10am–7pm
Best for: The countries that their wine selection is from reads like a World Cup line-up. Aside from Old World favorites from France and Italy, they also have Spain, Portugal, Germany and Chile covered.
Number of labels carried: 1,624, to be exact
Price range: $23-3,100
Quick picks: Château de Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape 2005 ($170), William Fevre Chablis ‘Vaudesir’ 2008 ($140)
Crystal Wines
#01-02/03 Valley Point, 491 River Valley Rd., 6737-3540. Mon– Sat 11am-8pm
Best for: If you don’t have a strong allegiance to Old or New World wines, the range of primarily French, Italian and Australian offerings here will suit you nicely. Those with a sweet tooth will appreciate their list of Sauternes.
Number of labels carried: Roughly 600
Price range: $23-3,500
Quick picks: Pecavvi No Regrets Sauvignon Blanc Semillon 2009 ($45), Rieussec 2007 ($84), Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé ($135)
Vinum Fine Wines
#03-20/21, Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Rd., 6735-3700. Mon-Sat 10:30am–7:30pm
Best for: Francophiles who positively love classics from Bordeaux, Burgundy and Rhône. Their cellar is heavily French-based (almost 90 percent).
Number of labels carried: 2,000 (give or take a little).
Price range: $31-28,800 (yes, you saw that right)
Quick picks: 2000 Oremus, Aszú 6 Puttonyos Tokaji ($108), Rossignol Trapet, Chapelle Chambertin Grand Cru 2008 ($125), Bruno Paillard, Blanc de Blancs 1996 ($158)
The Oaks Cellars
#B2-03/04 Great World City, 6835-3511. Daily 10am–9pm
Best for: Those who want the best of both worlds. The wine list here is balanced between popular Old World wines from France and New World champion, Australia. You’ll also see bottles from New Zealand and USA.
Number of labels carried: More than 1,000
Price range: $29-15,000
Quick picks: Gipsie Jack Sauvignon Blanc 2010 ($52), Salomon Estate Finniss River Cabernet Merlot 2005 ($65)
More
Sommelier Recommendations
Where to Buy
Tasting for Dummies
Organic Wines: Old Methods in New Bottles
