What happens when you hand a sommelier a mystery glass and ask them to identify a world-class red wine — completely blind?

In this episode of Got Somme, we put the palate to the ultimate test with a stunning Rioja Gran Reserva 2016 that left us speechless (and one of us with actual goosebumps).

We got ours here: https://www.platinumfinewine.com.au/product/bodegas-lan-gran-reserva/

From deep ruby colour to lingering pencil-shaving tannins, this wine delivered layer after layer of complexity — black currant, black plum, truffle, leather, clove, nutmeg, star anise, and what our co-host could only describe as fresh pasta flour. The nose alone was worth the price of admission.

Was it Bordeaux? Was it Rioja? Tune in as we break down every clue, make the call, and reveal just how well a 10-year-old wine can hide its age.

Rioja Gran Reserva 2016

Region: Rioja, Spain
Variety: Tempranillo
Aging: Gran Reserva (60 months total — 24 months in oak, 24 months in bottle minimum)
Oak: French oak (modern style — not traditional American oak)

00:00 – The blind tasting begins — what's in the glass?

00:05 – Colour analysis: deep ruby, brick rim, high viscosity

00:30 – Aromas: black fruit, truffle, mushroom, leather, pencil shavings

01:04 – Oak influence: baking spices, cloves, nutmeg, star anise

01:57 – Palate: grippy tannins, medium-plus body, dry finish

03:00 – The debate: Bordeaux or Rioja?

04:46 – Making the call — Rioja Reserva 2020 (spoiler: wrong on both counts!)

05:06 – The reveal: Rioja Gran Reserva 2016

06:24 – Why this wine doesn't show its age

06:39 – Reserva vs Gran Reserva: what's the actual difference?

07:40 – Food pairing: rump steak, chips, and fresh bread

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Watch: https://youtu.be/YVeWLAxQScg
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Cab Sav from Bordeaux or Rioja from Spain? Master Somm MUST choose!

Got Somme : Master Sommelier's Wine Podcast