Wine of the Year?! Master Sommelier reviews Hallidays Top Pick in 2025

Wine of the Year?! Master Sommelier reviews Hallidays Top Pick in 2025

Author: SESSION in PROGRESS September 24, 2025 Duration: 22:36

Is this really Australia’s best wine? The 2024 Thistledown “Charming Man” Single Vineyard Old Vine Grenache has just been awarded Wine of the Year, Red Wine of the Year, and Grenache of the Year at the 2026 Halliday Wine Companion Awards.

In this episode of Got Somme, Angus O’Loughlin and Master Sommelier Carlos Santos taste and review the $95 Grenache to see if it lives up to the hype.

You’ll hear from winemaker Giles Cook MW on what makes this single vineyard McLaren Vale Grenache so special, plus Carlos breaks down how to assess Grenache vs Pinot Noir on colour, nose, palate, and ageing potential.

We tackle the “Poor Man’s Pinot” debate, explore the history of Grenache in Australia (Barossa & McLaren Vale old vines), and ask: is this wine really worth $95—or more than $300 on a restaurant wine list?

Sponsors:

Socials:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gotsommepodcast

 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotsomme

 

What you’ll learn in this episode:

  • Why Grenache is making a comeback in Australia.

  • How climate change has influenced Grenache’s popularity.

  • The key differences between Grenache and Pinot Noir.

  • What makes the Halliday Wine Companion judging process unique.

  • How to taste Grenache like a sommelier (colour, nose, palate, finish).

Featured Wine:

  • 2024 Thistledown “Charming Man” Single Vineyard Old Vine Grenache (McLaren Vale, South Australia).

Watch:

Halliday Wine Companion Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhZJshq0FUk 

 

This podcast proudly presented by Grays.com: https://www.grays.com/search/wine-and-more?tab=items

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


Ever felt a bit lost staring at a wine list or wondering what you're actually tasting in your glass? Got Somme is here to help, without any of the pretence. This isn't a stuffy lecture; it's a conversation between Master Sommelier Carlos Santos and his mate, radio announcer Angus O'Loughlin, who's keen to learn but starting from scratch. Each episode, Carlos guides Angus-and by extension, all of us-through the fundamentals, breaking down everything from grape varieties and regional styles to understanding why a wine tastes the way it does. The real magic happens when they're joined by some of the world's most respected winemakers, who share the stories and craft behind their bottles. You'll hear Carlos explain how to pick a good wine from a bad one, demystifying terms like tannin and terroir along the way. It's an accessible, often funny journey into wine, perfect for anyone who enjoys a glass but wants to understand the world behind it. Produced by SESSION in PROGRESS, this podcast turns curiosity into genuine knowledge, one bottle at a time.
Author: Language: en-au Episodes: 100

Got Somme : Master Sommelier's Wine Podcast
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