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July/August 2007
RARE WINES AT LINER
& ELSEN
by Angie Jabine
Libraries and bookstores have “rare books”
rooms. Since moving to roomier new digs, Portland’s
Liner & Elsen Wine Merchants now has its own
rare-wine room.
Through a glass wall, customers get their first
enticing look at a 1983 Château Margaux
($600), a 1986 Château Haut-Brion ($650),
a 1994 Opus One ($275), and other rare finds,
some displayed on satin-smooth shelves made from
old barrel staves.
“It was built for us by The Wine Outfitters,
which will become our retail neighbor in July
when they occupy the space next door,” says
owner Bob Scherb. “They build premier wine
cellars. The idea to use recycled wine barrel
staves came from them. The specialized cooling
unit keeps temperatures at around 58°F, at
optimal humidity, and the lights are kept dim
and cool as well.”
Scherb says the cellar-style room lets him display
the wines he used to keep in a cooled private
storage facility. It’s also a way of promoting
the idea of cellaring wines.
“We hope it enhances the shopping
experience,” he says. “Customers do
respond very favorably to the room. More than
ever, L&E is a destination shopping location,
so we like to provide something special to visitors.”
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