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

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:
RIEDEL Wine Glasses: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop#sor...
Grays.com Buy the wine, drink the wine where we get ours: https://www.grays.com/search/wine

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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:    • 2026 Halliday Wine of the Year | Giles Coo...   




Welcome to Got Somme, the ultimate wine podcast where Master Sommeliers and wine experts share their tips, blind tasting challenges, and insider knowledge from vineyards around the world. Whether you’re a wine beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, we explore everything from wine education and wine tasting techniques to sparkling wines, red vs white, and the best wines under $30.

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