Fine Wine Store Coming to David

Felipe Motta is the largest, fanciest and best stocked wine store I know in Panama. Every time I get a chance to visit Felipe Motta while in Panama City, I fill my shopping cart with delicacies and the store packs and ships my purchases to arrive in Boquete the next day, complimentary.

You can imagine Felipe Motta as a huge supermarket, but it’s filled with gourmet foods, fresh baked goods, imported cheeses, all types of liquors and thousands of fine wines from all over the world.

This photo only shows the back area of the store where the fine wines are displayed.

I mean really “fine wines” from all over the world, with prices ranging from $1.95 to $890.00 for a 750 milliliter bottle. Yes, I saw several bottles of Collectible Chateau Lafite Rothschild 2001 Pauillac wine, each priced at $890.00. This was the most pricey bottle of fine wine I saw the day I visited the lavishly holiday-decorated wine store last week.

You may need to enlarge this photo to see the exact numbers posted on right side of the tag beneath the bottle.

Below the price tag is the Wine Spectator Magazine’s description of this amazing wine; “Stick your nose in this and it says something “I am special”. Deep and generous aromas of blackberries, fresh tobacco and minerals. It’s full bodied, with big velvety tannins and a super long finish. Like a fine cashmere sweater.” This wine is $148.33 per glass and by its description, it just might be worth it.

If you’re in the mood for holiday giving, choose one of these lush baskets filled with candies, crackers, bar ware, fine wine, whatever you think your lucky receiver would like. I saw several baskets that included champagne and caviar for New Year’s celebrations.

You can find just the right basket at Felipe Motta and priced to suit your needs.

Here’s the best part – - a new Felipe Motta Wine Store will soon open in the large building that now houses Lumicentro in David, about 45 minutes south of Boquete.

We will soon be able to plan our gift-giving to include any number of fine gourmet gifts from all over the world.

I’m saving my balboas!