Wine List Bait and Switch
Aug 6, 2009 | 7:35 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 4,531
Wine List Bait and Switch
I searched for a devoted thread on this topic, but could not find one.
Of late, I have noticed with increasing regularity upscale restaurants listing a particularly good wine, only to come to the table with one of a different year. The first few times, I ignored it. However, it appears increasingly routine.
This is not always a major problem; mass producers' wines may not substantively vary by a year or two. However, there is clear difference between a 2007 and 2004 Rioja, for example. There is probably a difference in price as well. Of course, it is difficult to know.
I usually point out the discrepancy to the server. A few times, I have been challenged on my veracity. Others, I am met with a shrug and an offer to see the wine list again. The servers usually have no information on different pricing.
In the interest of sharing information with others, two restaurants who did this to me recently were:
Melange, Ann Arbor, MI
Dusty's Cellar, Okemos, MI
What say you?
Of late, I have noticed with increasing regularity upscale restaurants listing a particularly good wine, only to come to the table with one of a different year. The first few times, I ignored it. However, it appears increasingly routine.
This is not always a major problem; mass producers' wines may not substantively vary by a year or two. However, there is clear difference between a 2007 and 2004 Rioja, for example. There is probably a difference in price as well. Of course, it is difficult to know.
I usually point out the discrepancy to the server. A few times, I have been challenged on my veracity. Others, I am met with a shrug and an offer to see the wine list again. The servers usually have no information on different pricing.
In the interest of sharing information with others, two restaurants who did this to me recently were:
Melange, Ann Arbor, MI
Dusty's Cellar, Okemos, MI
What say you?
Aug 6, 2009 | 10:33 am
#2
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Join Date: Feb 2000
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I have seen it with much more frequency lately, and I hate it.
I don't mind if they come and say "sorry sir, we are out of the 2003 but have this 2004 that is similar" and go on to describe the differences, and let me decide, but I totally don't get how any decent restaurant will come to your table with a bottle a year or two different (usually later) and think you won't care.
There are also times I'll ask if they have other years and get one of each and we will enjoy comparing the two at the table, but that's a totally different issue then them switching on us.
I don't mind if they come and say "sorry sir, we are out of the 2003 but have this 2004 that is similar" and go on to describe the differences, and let me decide, but I totally don't get how any decent restaurant will come to your table with a bottle a year or two different (usually later) and think you won't care.
There are also times I'll ask if they have other years and get one of each and we will enjoy comparing the two at the table, but that's a totally different issue then them switching on us.
Aug 6, 2009 | 11:02 am
#3
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: LAX
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I searched for a devoted thread on this topic, but could not find one.
Regardless of the type of dining experience. I feel if a Vintage Date is quoted on the list thats the wine that should be presented. If not, I would send it back and start again. Its just that if they are not paying attention to the list and its contents. I am further concerned by the inventory and wine service as well. JMTC..
Of late, I have noticed with increasing regularity upscale restaurants listing a particularly good wine, only to come to the table with one of a different year. The first few times, I ignored it. However, it appears increasingly routine.
This is not always a major problem; mass producers' wines may not substantively vary by a year or two. However, there is clear difference between a 2007 and 2004 Rioja, for example. There is probably a difference in price as well. Of course, it is difficult to know.
I usually point out the discrepancy to the server. A few times, I have been challenged on my veracity. Others, I am met with a shrug and an offer to see the wine list again. The servers usually have no information on different pricing.
In the interest of sharing information with others, two restaurants who did this to me recently were:
Melange, Ann Arbor, MI
Dusty's Cellar, Okemos, MI
What say you?
Regardless of the type of dining experience. I feel if a Vintage Date is quoted on the list thats the wine that should be presented. If not, I would send it back and start again. Its just that if they are not paying attention to the list and its contents. I am further concerned by the inventory and wine service as well. JMTC..
Of late, I have noticed with increasing regularity upscale restaurants listing a particularly good wine, only to come to the table with one of a different year. The first few times, I ignored it. However, it appears increasingly routine.
This is not always a major problem; mass producers' wines may not substantively vary by a year or two. However, there is clear difference between a 2007 and 2004 Rioja, for example. There is probably a difference in price as well. Of course, it is difficult to know.
I usually point out the discrepancy to the server. A few times, I have been challenged on my veracity. Others, I am met with a shrug and an offer to see the wine list again. The servers usually have no information on different pricing.
In the interest of sharing information with others, two restaurants who did this to me recently were:
Melange, Ann Arbor, MI
Dusty's Cellar, Okemos, MI
What say you?
Aug 6, 2009 | 11:12 am
#4
Moderator, Argentina and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: MIA / EZE
Programs: Lord of Malbec & all Wines Argentine. AA EXP / Marriott Lifetime Gold / Hyatt Explorist / Hertz PC
Posts: 36,216
Its a practice that should be reported to the Better Business Bureau... 
For some regions like the above mentioned and also Bordeaux, the price differences can be huge. As far as Im concerned, even in more stable vintage regions like most new world wines, when you are dealing in the best wines vintages DO matter.
In Buenos Aires, one of the most flagrant infractors in this department is Cabania las Lilas.... and also some of the Fine Dining restaurants of the 5 Star Hotels are in on the same action.
For some regions like the above mentioned and also Bordeaux, the price differences can be huge. As far as Im concerned, even in more stable vintage regions like most new world wines, when you are dealing in the best wines vintages DO matter.
In Buenos Aires, one of the most flagrant infractors in this department is Cabania las Lilas.... and also some of the Fine Dining restaurants of the 5 Star Hotels are in on the same action.
Aug 6, 2009 | 11:16 am
#5
Join Date: Sep 2005
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I had this happen at Emeril's (not his Tchoup Chop restaurant which is much better) in Orlando. Not only did they bring the wrong year they brought a HOT bottle and then tried to say that it was normal for bottles of white wine to be above room temperature. 
Needless to say there was no tip for the server however I did contact the Regional Director and passed on what transpired.
Needless to say there was no tip for the server however I did contact the Regional Director and passed on what transpired.
Aug 6, 2009 | 11:45 am
#6
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Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
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Posts: 42,608
Most places around here would notice AND apologize before opening an incorrect bottle, and let the diner decide. In limited instance where no one had noticed until it was open, I received a profuse apology and offer to do something about it (which I declined, but they probably comped the dessert or something). I've also had restaurants say they are out of the X as ordered, but will replace it with Y which is a higher value at the price of X, and if you don't like it, just send it back.
Many of the small mid to nice range places in my area have real waiters who know their wine lists, as opposed to formulaic servers who will serve whatever bottle comes out of Bin #15, as if it was a candy bar in a vending machine.
Many of the small mid to nice range places in my area have real waiters who know their wine lists, as opposed to formulaic servers who will serve whatever bottle comes out of Bin #15, as if it was a candy bar in a vending machine.
Aug 6, 2009 | 11:54 am
#7
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Portland
Programs: HH Gold, Alaska MVP Gold
Posts: 4,074
Had it happen only once or twice lately, and it was immediately noticed by myself or someone in my party. The servers were apologetic and brought the manager over to discuss swapping it for something else (if it was already opened) or to discuss a different bottle that would achieve the same results. This has never happened to me in a place with a proper Sommelier or Wine Captain.