Update! On a return visit to The Wine Underground on a busy Friday night the service and attitude was very disappointing. If you can indulge me, let me retell the tale…
Two glasses of wine ordered were oxidised. To their credit, this was quickly resolved by offering to open a new bottle. A taste of the new bottle opened was offered - but it was over chilled to the point where it smelled of virtually nothing and when in the mouth anaesthetised the palette. I suggested that at this temperature I couldn’t tell if it was OK, but since it had met with her approval, went with her judgement.
Back at the table with the (very cold) wine, I warmed it gently in the cup of my hands. Inhaling deeply it smelt of wet cardboard, tasted musty with no fruit, acid or structure. I returned once again to the bar (where it took a large amount of time to be served).
Over the loud hubbub of conversation I indicated that I thought it was corked - no fruit, cardboard odours. She tasted it and concluded that “it seems ok, but there is a bit of TCA on the back of the throat - I’ll get the sommelier to check it”. Over five minutes passed before the conclusion came back that it was OK.
Let me recite the conversation (WU is ‘Wine Underground’, RV is ‘Rooview’):
WU: (returns with conclusion it’s OK)
RV: You just said a moment ago there is slight TCA at the back of the throat - but now it’s OK?
WU: Umm… well it’s definitely OK.
WU2: Offer to open another bottle (another voice came from behind the bar)
WU: I can open another bottle for you to try
RV: This wine is either corked or not worth selling. If you think it’s OK, I’m not going to try another bottle.
WU: (grabs another bottle and is about to start opening it)
RV: Look, lets just leave it. I’ll pay for the two glasses if you like.
WU: No, of course not. Don’t worry about that.
RV: (returns to table think of something else to have)
So far, this has been OK - a few minor things in respect to the temperature and changing of opinion, but this could easily be forgotten.
10 minutes later when a friend I was waiting for arrived, went up to close the ‘tab’ (which consisted only of the two glasses being discussed).
RV: I’d like to have my credit card back (hands over ‘tab number’ card), please.
WU: You’ll need to pay for those glasses of wine.
RV: No, you said don’t worry about paying. I offered to, but you rejected it.
WU: That’s not right, you need to pay.
RV: You will give me the credit card back and I will not pay.
WU: I’m not giving you the card back.
RV: I will leave my name, phone number and address here for your boss to follow up but you will give me the card back.
WU: I’m sorry, you need to pay for the wine.
RV: (getting frustrated at this point) Look, I’ll pay $1000 to get out of this hole*. But you are giving me my card back now (takes the card from the counter).
WU: Thanks for being so rude.
If you are from The Wine Underground and would like to respond, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.
* it is underground after all!
(original, slightly edited review follows)
The Wine Underground combines a bar, casual restaurant and wine retailer in a welcoming ‘underground’ space off of Pirie Street. Wooden tables with comfortable chairs surround the central bar area. Walls are lined with bottles of wine available to browse for either consumption on site or to take away.
A regularly changing list of wine is available by the glass (along with several premium beers). Wine is generally handled well and is served in quality glassware.
It is full service here (except when really busy), so take a seat at either the bar or tables and let the staff take care of you.
Food being offered is labelled “bar snacks�, “entrée� and “mains� but is flexible enough to be able to be enjoyed anyway you like. Offerings are generally Mediterranean influenced and offer generous serving size and value for money.
The Wine Underground is a quality alternative to grotty pubs and dingy bars for a drink or snack.
Atmosphere: Welcoming, slick, casual.
The Bill: Snacks/bar food about $8, entrées $10-15, mains $17-25
The Wine Underground
121 Pirie Street
Adelaide
P: (08) 8232-1466
Open: Monday-Saturday from 12PM until late
I have to ay i WU’s defense, I have been there countless times, have never ever had an issue with the service, in fact some of the staff now call me by name, even on a busy Friday night. I too have come across a corked wine, and have not had to pay. I trust their taste, and expertise, and their genuine passion for wine. I’d go as far to say Wine Underground is my ‘Happy Place’.
Leonie said on October 31, 2005 9:19 pm