A post alleging a wine switch at a Seoul fine-dining restaurant has spread online, fueling controversy.
On the 21st, a user posted on an online cafe under the title, “I was served a swapped Chateau Leoville Barton vintage at MOSU (MOSU Seoul).”
The writer, identified only as A, said the account was “based entirely on facts.” A said the issue arose during a meal with acquaintances when a pairing wine was served with one of the main dishes, “wood-fired Korean beef.”
A said a sommelier presented and described a “2005” vintage bottle, but after tasting the wine and checking the pairing list, A realized the service was supposed to be a 2000 vintage. A said the aroma and flavor did not match what was expected for the ordered wine, prompting doubts during the meal that grew after checking information about the bottle.
A said that when asking the restaurant to confirm whether the served wine matched what was ordered, the sommelier then explained that a 2000 vintage bottle had been ordered by the bottle and was downstairs, and offered to pour the 2000 vintage in a Bordeaux glass to taste. A said the wine that should have been properly served was the 2000 vintage, and that the two wines differed noticeably, “from the color to the aroma.”
A also claimed the two vintages differ by 100,000 won in bottle price at the restaurant, and alleged the sommelier may have known from the start. A said that after requesting a photo of the bottle following the 2005 service, the sommelier said “just a moment” and brought out the 2000 vintage bottle instead.
While acknowledging mistakes can happen and labels can look similar, A questioned whether such an error was plausible for a sommelier at a Michelin two-star restaurant, and criticized the response, saying there was no apology that day and the handling was disappointing.
The post quickly spread through online communities and social media, drawing attention and debate, including speculation by some users that an actual switch may have occurred.
The restaurant’s official position and the facts of the claim had not been confirmed as of publication, and some commenters said further verification is needed.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.