Refined Pallet

Sam’s Club might have shaken off a bit of its reputation as strictly a buy-in-bulk, low-cost retailer — at least in the minds of Forbes readers. 

The magazine recently reported a Sam’s Club store in Freehold, New Jersey, has added a $158,000 bottle of wine (suggested retail price $168,000) to its inventory.

It’s a rare (one of 11 in the world), Block 42 Limited Edition Cabernet Sauvignon Ampoule from Penfolds winery in Australia. And, contained in a hand-blown vial made of glass and rhodium, it comes with a white-glove opening service, according to Forbes.

So, is the warehouse now in the practice of selling rare wines? It looks like a one-off, at least for now.

The most expensive bottle at the Fayetteville store is a Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet for $109, and the clerk said it’s rarely bought.

So, if you’re in the market for the $158,000 bottle, you’ll have to head to New Jersey.

But if you also enjoy a good deal on bulk paper towels, the trip could be worth it. The buyer gets a free lifetime membership.