Cork Taint

Best in Somm

11 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Man we got a real vintage-style one for you. There's definitely some wine content in here for sure. Take our word for it.If you like this, want mo...

Solo for the People

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sorry for the delay here everybody, here's a special one for you all. Boone says hi he's still covered in grapes. Sign up for more goodies at ...

What in the heck

12 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sorry we've been gone life happens. As consolation here's a mishmash episode that you're gonna love lemme tell yaFor more great episodes s...

Tokaj-Hétszőlő!

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Gergely Makai, General Manager and Winemaker of Tokaj-Hétszőlő, joins us to discuss the history of the estate and its significance in the region, o...

Sommvivor Part 2/ The Sommpprentice

10 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We're still workshopping this out and I think we're getting pretty close. Follow us on Instagram at @korktaint and DM us suggestions for how to make t...

Riesling Party for You Know Who

26 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A very special guest who shall remain unnamed joins us for a fun and surprisingly insightful conversation about riesling, wine sales, perception, and ...

Wine Critics and Media I Guess?

13 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This is sort of a catchall one of us losing our minds after consuming way too much wine media. For extra fantastic content check out Patreon.com/CorkT...

The Boys Were Back in Town

29 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about some great wines we had recently, including: 1961 Lopez de Heredia Tondonia Gran Reserva1999 Chateau Palmer1999 Chateau Cos d'Estournel1...

La Rioja Alta!!

10 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jose Luis Navarro, USA Export Manager of La Rioja Alta, joins us to talk about their history and traditional production methods, the various reservas ...

Domaine Zind-Humbrecht!!

28 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Olivier Humbrecht of Domaine Zind-Humbrecht joins us for a fantsatic conversation about the history of the domaine, farming in Alsace, the terroir of ...

Nicolas Joly Coulee de Serrant!!!

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Nicolas Joly, pioneer and legend of the Biodynamic wine movement, as well as sole farmer/producer/steward of the land one of the world's most fame...

Bachelet, Emidio Pepe, Guigal Chateau d'Ampuis

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Sort of a catchall episode where we defintely talk about these wines, nutritional deficincies in ferments, some other stuff and then we do in fact unf...

Aliens Love Zinfandel

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

More of what you've learned to expect from us: brilliant insight like underripe fruit doesn't taste as good as ripe fruit. For more fantastic ...

Disznókő !

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

László Mészáros, winemaker and director of Disznókő, joins us to discuss the terroir of Tokaji, the fascinating growing and winemaking process o...

Kumeu River!

30 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Paul Brajkovich from Kumer River joins us to talk all about their history, their fantastic Chardonnays (and Pinot Noir), the vineyards they come from,...

Old Aussie Shiraz

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We finally spend an entire episode talking about Shiraz, how well it can age, some producers we love, and all sorts of great anecdotes. You gotta chec...

Domaine Moreau-Naudet!

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Virginie Moreau of Domaine Moreau-Naudet joins us for a fantastic discussion about their farming, vineyards, winemaking, and the terroir of Chablis! G...

Christmas For The People

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We talk abouta boatloada wines we had over the holiday season. This is part 1, part 2 discusses all the wines we had over New Years and you can find t...

Domaine Brun-Avril

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Henri and Charles Brun join us for a fantastic discussion about their family's Domaine, the incredible wines they produce, and their very old vineyard...

Selosse and Ganevat are very good

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

I travelled up to Montreal for the weekend and drank some pretty awesome stuff including Guillaume Selosse Largillier and 2018 Jean-François Ganevat ...

Tasting Groups

21 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about the benefits of being in a tasting group, how to start one, if/why you should be in one and start one, plus more good stuff so check it ...

Grand Cru Portfolio Tasting Recap Part 2

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We recap the recap episode about the recent portfolio tasting I attended featuring all sorts of super super cool kid sommy wines! But also a lot of ve...

Not Really Post-Harvest Breakdown

24 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sorry for the delay, believe it or not we were pretty busy making wine. Harvest is only about halfway(?) over, give or take, but here's a progress-che...

Pre-Harvest Breakdown

19 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A good ol inside scoop of what happens before harvest, an update of what's goin with this vintage, and christ I'm so tired I don't have th...

Residual Sugar (RS)

05 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss Residual Sugar AKA RS in wine, its merits, function and properties, explain Brix and the Oechsle scale, and loads of other fascinating stuf...

Oregon Finally

22 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Can you believe we haven't done an episode about Oregon wine until now? We couldn't either. On this episode we cover the main AVAs and give yo...

Somm 3 Watchalong Recap: This movie still blows

08 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This is a recap of our watchalong of Somm3 that can be found at Patreon.com/CorkTaint. Check that out to hear our live commentary of the movie which, ...

Cockt and Loaded

25 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The boys are united and they're talkin cocktails this episode, folks. Trying out new mics so cut us some slack. It's a good one

cHARDonnay part 2: Harder than ever

04 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about what "Burgundian" chardonnay is, chardonnay style, how places elsewhere in the world can do it just as well if not better, and...

PATREON UNLOCKED: Patreon 73 Antonio Vallana Part 2

24 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Francis explains the DNA-based geology diagram in the slideshow and the way it shaped his perspective on grape varieties. Check it out! For more bonu...

Book Review: Exploring & Tasting Wine

06 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week I'm talking about Berry Bros & Rudd's wine book/course "Exploring & Tasting Wine". This was the first wine book I ...

Episode 100

23 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Phew man do we have a good Episode #100 for the books. We talk about Puligny vs Chassagne Montrachet plus all sorts of other stuff. Give it a listen a...

Interview with Chateau Musar

09 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We can't believe it either, but Marc Hochar from Chateau Musar joined us to discuss their history, vineyards, unconventional winemaking practices,...

Tso'ok Rum

25 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

For something a bit different this week, Read Spear and Carlos Mendez Blas of Tso'ok Rum join us to talk about an amazing spirit that conveys terr...

Patreon UNLOCKED: The New French Wine Review Part 2

18 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

One of those "tell us how you really feel" type of episodes. Tune in to find out exactly how much of a fucking piece of garbage this book is...

Antonio Vallana!

04 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Francis Fogarty, sixth generation winemaker of Antonio Vallana, one of the greatest producers in Italy (and the world!), explains the geological and w...

Martinelli Vineyards and Winery!

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tessa Gorsuch, 5th Generation Estate Director of Martinelli Vineyards and Winery, joins us for a fascinating conversation about their incredible Pinot...

Hedges Family Estate! featuring Sarah Goedhart

14 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah Goedhart, head winemaker of Hedges Family Estate, joins us for a fantastic discussion about their history, farming, array of wines (especially t...

Value Still Exists in Burgundy: Interview with Max Kogod

07 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Max Kogod of Kogod Wine Merchant (KogodWine.com) joins us for a discussion about his background, the time he spent working in Burgundy, and the fantas...

CMS vs WSET

22 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We discuss the differences between the two major wine certifications: Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) and Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET). W...

Why Are Somms (kinda the worst?) Part 2 of 1000: Maria Also Hates Them (Part 2 of 2)

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Part 2 of our fantastic episode with very special guest and fan of the show: Maria (pourdecisions_somm)!!! We continue the conversation and discuss so...

Our Most Consistent Episode Yet: No Cork Taint

25 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're very fortunate to have Yoann Canovas, Technical Sales Manager for DIAM-Vivelys North America, join us on this week's episode to discuss ...

The New French Wine: A Postmodern Book Review Part 1

11 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is part 1 of our multi-rant series about Jon Bonne's highly-praised book, The New French Wine. Spoiler Alert: We really did not like ...

Drink EZ Juice, not White Claw

21 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Cole-Johnson, Senior US Editor for JancisRobinson.com, joins us for a discussion about the resilience, stability, and sustainability of the w...

Tasting Notes

07 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We got an all-meat episode today talking about tasting notes. Why you should be taking them, why you shouldn't be taking them, when you should be ...

19 Mother Truckin Grave Digger Crimes

23 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We got none other than Big John from Slik Wines joinin us this episode to talk about why wine is getting less serious and why it matters. I'll be ...

Why Are Somms (kinda the worst?) Part 2 of 1000: Maria Also Hates Them (Part 1 of 2)

16 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Very special guest and fan of the show on this episode: Maria (pourdecisions_somm)!!! She shares her experiences through the wine professional certifi...

Bandol Wine and the Magic of Mourvedre: An interview with the Author

02 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Professor and wine writer Andrew James joins for a fantastic discussion about his newest book: Bandol Wine and the Magic of Mourvedre! Tune in to lear...

Ode to Grenache Part 69: Gigondas

26 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We drank fantastically delicious bottles of 2013 Domaine les Pallieres Gigondas Terraces Du Diable!! We hope you enjoy it as much as we did this wine....

KEEP HER NAME OUTTA YA MOUTH

28 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Mystery guest who shall remain unnamed discusses fundamental wine knowledge and how to run a wine tasting. It is very good wine-related content you sh...

Virginia Robbie

14 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We got Robbie of Podere Piccolo (@Podere_Piccolo), Virginia's finest fine wine producer making Cabernet Franc on par with the best Loire stuff, on...

Catsup Wine Baby

31 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

I know we've been gone for a little while so we're catchin everybody up on cool stuff we've had recently. Roulot Meursault, Didier Fornero...

IPNC 2023!!!

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We got a real comprehensive review of this year's 2023 International Pinot Noir Celebration! Featuring wines from Simon Bize, Kosta Browne, Henri ...

Baby wants to suck wine out of the proper stemware

13 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about stemware, which glasses are best for certain wines, whether it's all a gigantic scam, and if you're better off slurping wine out...

Answers to Questions You're TOO SCARED to ask!!!

26 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We answer questions about wine shopping, production, vintage variation and the stupid french language that 99% of people don't wanna ask but also ...

Petrus: Honestly? Pretty Meh

08 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Yea man I got to try Petrus. Some 1959 Chateau Montrose, 2015 Olivier Bernstein Chambertin Clos de Beze, 2013 Roulot Bourgogne Blanc, Berstein Clos de...

We're naturally forced to discuss naturally and forced sparkling wines (AKA PetNat AKA bubbly dog piss)

18 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Man oh man do we have a tasty episode this week: we're talkin PetNat/Petillant Naturel/Méthode Ancestrale and forced carbonation/ Charmat wines! ...

Episode 1776: Madeiraca was fortified on the spirit of being hammered while signing the declaration

04 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Certified Madeira Wine Educator, Wine Director of Chez TJ, and overall humongous wine nerd Paul Carayas joins us to discuss one of his many passions: ...

ROMORANTIN: THE MYSTERIOUS SECRET UNKNOWN GRAPE (RoamAroundTownLookingForHotSteamingBurlyHunkyMeatyD

21 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

It's not really a secret at all but it is delicious and under-appreciated and only really comes from one small region: Cour-Cheverny! We drank a delic...

Portuguese MasterClass with Lewis Kopman of GK Selections

13 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Lewis Kopman of GK Selections joins us to discuss the fascinating Portuguese wine scene, as well as a Baga-centric discussion featuring wines from Fil...

The Fantastic Finale to our Glorious Gustatory Adventure

06 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Old Sauternes, Rioja, Alsace, Bordeaux, and New Zealand Chardonnay. Excellent stuff check it out. Sign up at patreon.com/corktaint for even better stu...

Blind Tasting part 1 Grand Cru Burgundy Leroy Chateau Grillet Billecart Salmon I promise this isn't clickbait

24 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Part 1 of the most extravagant, over the top blind tastings/ wine dinners to date. This episode we talk about: 2007 Billecart Salmon Cuvee Elizabeth...

DRCequel!!!!

09 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Alright so we didn't actually drink more DRC... BUT we did drink plenty of other delicious things! Including: Cristal Pol Roger Cuvee Sir Winston C...

Wine and Spirits Top 100 Part 1

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Part 1 of our review of the Wine and Spirits Top 100 tasting! We went and tried a whole bunch of stuff including Cristal, Musar, Grand Cru Burgundy, P...

Episode 69 Merlotta Fun

09 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

This one's a good'n despite the audio getting completely deleted halfway through and us having to redo the episode. Anyway we drank some delicious mer...

Volatile Acidity: sometimes it works, sometimes it's literally illegal

26 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Another episode in our faultless wine fault series. A lot of good wine-related content in this one. Give er a listen and help support us by signing up...

Blind Tasting: Is it worthless?

04 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

you WONT BELIEVE what wine we got blinded on!!!!!! TUNE IN TO FIND OUT. Also we talk about blind tasting in general and what it is and isn't good for....

Derzo Zosage All Wheel Drive

15 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Got some deliciously crisp content about Champagne featuring a beautiful wine from Tarlant. We had a great time Subscribe to this and tell everybody y...

UNLOCKED EASTER EGG SPECIAL SECRET CONTENT ONLY YOU ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO ACCESS WOW JESUS CHRIST

01 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Just explaining what’s going on and why we haven’t put out episodes the past two weeks. Also I simply couldn’t resist one of the background audi...

Yeast Feast

17 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about the roles of yeast in the winery and vineyard. Good stuff, give it a listen Then sign up and give us some money at patreon.com/corktaint...

Zero ABV (Asexual Business Voyeurs)

27 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about wine that doesn't contain alcohol and why it's bullshit.  Sign up and help support us at: patreon.com/corktaint Thanks guys

All Geeked up on Rose

14 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Man, we'll see how this one is received. It's a very good episode, but yea just listen for yourselves. Sign up and help support us at patreon.com/cork...

How to get into (and good at) wine

29 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's about what it sounds like. What we think is pretty good advice. If you want super exclusive access to the next episode about wine buying then sig...

Pinot Gris?

15 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Haven't listened to it but I think it's gonna be one of those surprisingly good ones despite feeling like it was a complete train wreck at the time Gi...

Whiplash Sucks

01 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

You know what doesn't? Our discussion about old world vs new world wines. An overview, then prejudices, assumptions, legacies, and all that other good...

Why Are Somms (kinda the worst?) part 1 of 1000

18 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The initiation of our long-term discussion about the wine industry as a brainwashing institution. We drank some more great zin. What a surprise. Not s...

Transatlantic Clarendon Hills Fanboy Lovefest Part 1

04 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our friends across the pond join us to discuss one of the few things in life that never disappoints: Clarendon Hills. 2005 Piggott Range Syrah, Romas ...

Brettanomyces

21 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We talk about it. The good stuff, the bad stuff, the stuff somewhere in between that people mention just so they have something to fight about. Thanks...

Reduction: not less, just smellier

07 Jul 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Pretty surprisingly technical discussion of reduction. Enjoy

I got PIED Right in the ASs and now I'm feelin sASSI

23 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

While neither of us actually got pied in our asses, we did drink some delicious 2018 Piedrasassi Syrah from the Santa Rita Hills. Tune in and enjooyyy...

Somebody make this MASTER SOMMELIER the GAMAY AMBASSADOR already

09 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

No joke we really got a master sommelier on the show to discuss his unbridled passion for one of the most underappreciated grapes. Kick back, relax, g...

The History of Wine: Flyin Solo, Baby

26 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Only one of us was available to record, so behold an unencumbered educational experience you'll never forget. Please help support this program by sign...

WE DRANK DRC

19 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

1971 La Tache and 1976 Richebourg to be precise. We also drank Krug, 2007 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, 1966 Chateau Suduiraut, 2010 Chateau d'Yquem...

Showin Ass

12 May 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We drank delicious Burgundy! Regis Bouvier Bourgogne Rouge En Montre Cul to be precise. Really delicious stuff. Wanna hear us talk about it? Then take...

New Old Old Vine Zinfandel Wein Episode Episode

28 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We drank some delicious 90's zin. It's great. Go find some. Listen to our episode first. Or get some and listen to it while drinking it. Or neither, I...

Trying NEW things ISN'T always FUN: Natural Portuguese Wookie

14 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We didn't really intend to go on a long natural wine rant but it ended up being pretty great. You should take a listen. We drank a bunch of Portuguese...

Walkin the Hog 2: This Time We Talk More About Old Red Wine

31 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Yea, you could say we got er done.

Lol we're gonna drink DRC

17 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We got bottles of 1970 La Tache and 1976 Richebourg for an elaborate dinner. In this episode we describe our expectations, planning, hopes, dreams, de...

[TEASER] Patreon 32 Chateau Donkey Saucelena

13 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We got a fantastic guest and we talk about some extremely interesting things. Sign up to hear the rest at patreon.com/corktaint Thanks guys

You WON'T BELIEVE whether we mention the news

03 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We drank more Australian wine and beer this time. I'll be honest we basically phoned this one in. BUT, we do have an interesting couple of conversatio...

Trousseau Part 1

17 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Part 2 is coming out next week at patreon.com/corktaint please sign up and give us money Thanks for listening. Tell all of your friends. Or else

Eric Decantor wontgethismouthoffmypenis

03 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

am i right ladies and gentlemen of the jury

Controllers of the Media, Banks, and New World Order EXPOSED

20 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's us. We EXPOSE ourselves. We drank a Chevy, a hot Aussie, Germans speaking Italian, and Pierre dupuis 1680. Yummy yum yum

Robert Herman Mondavi the Sturgeon Sauvignon

06 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Bottles of 1980 Robert Mondavi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, 1997 Robert Mondavi Cabernet Sauvignon, and much sturgeon talk. 

Gayou Barage

23 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Unintentionally a great episode about the wines of Belle Pente, some very useful, slightly nerdy basic wine chemistry stuff, and the usual miscellaneo...

The Returnening

09 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our big spectacular gigantic humongous incredible return. From here on out we're going to do one free episode every other week, then patreon-only cont...

Chenin Againin Butt This Ep is Steen

11 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

South African Chenin Blanc is the theme of this episode. We drink some stuff we think is tasty from the get-go. Grab a bottle of Chenin and have a gla...

VermenTiniWeinieO

04 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

I drank some Domaine Comte Abbatucci Faustine Blanc (which is 100% Vermentino) and I forget what my better half drank. Both were very good and we had ...

Bleacher Blozzers 'n Decanter Banter with the Blokes Across the Pond

28 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We have some lovely, charming, charismatic, humorous and completely anonymous guests on this episode to initiate the rat's nest that is the debate abo...

More Riesling: I still got a fever, and the only prescription tastes like gasoline, key lime pie and shame

21 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

We took a vote and riesling won once again. Shucks. We drank some delicious stuff from Paul Cluver and Domaine Weinbach. Drink more riesling. It's inc...