"AI is coming for everyone's jobs." In this thought-provoking episode of Got Somme , host Angus O'Loughlin puts artificial intelligence to the test in a head-to-head wine tasting battle against one of Australia’s top Master Sommeliers , Carlos Santos . Can ChatGPT hold its own in a blind tasting of red wine? How does AI fare in analysing the nuances of a French Chardonnay ? The episode explores how technology in wine —particularly AI—could shape the future of wine assessment , wine pairing , and...
Jun 25, 2025•20 min•Season 4Ep. 13
In this episode of Got Somme, we journey through the rolling hills of Napa Valley to explore the world of Diamond Creek wines. Your hosts Angus and Carlos uncork the history and flavour profile of aged Cabernet Sauvignon, sip through the 1995 and 1996 vintages, and dissect how Napa’s unique terroir stacks up against global giants like Bordeaux and Margaret River. From wine economics to the Paris Judgment of 1976, this one’s a full-bodied conversation about what makes Napa, and California more br...
Jun 11, 2025•14 min•Season 4Ep. 12
In this episode, we dive into the highly anticipated 2023 vintage of The Standish Wine Company's four Shiraz from the iconic Barossa Valley. Through a blind tasting of each unique wines, Angus and Master Sommelier Carlos explore complex flavour profiles, winemaking techniques, and personal preferences. Alongside tasting notes, the conversation delves into the sustainability practices within the wine industry, offers wine pairing suggestions, and answers audience questions about aging potential a...
May 28, 2025•24 min•Season 4Ep. 11
In this episode of the podcast, hosts Angus O'Loughlin and M aster Sommelier Carlos Santos are here to demystify the impact of wine bottle sizes —particularly the demi bottle (375ml) versus the standard bottle (750ml) —on the aging process , wine quality , and flavour profile . They conduct a blind tasting of the 2005 Lake's Folly Cabernet Sauvignon , uncovering how smaller bottles age differently and why larger bottles may enhance longevity . Carlos also shares practical insights for wine tasti...
May 14, 2025•15 min•Season 4Ep. 10
Carlos Santos, a Master sommelier, takes us on a journey of his home country and through the diverse wine regions of Portugal, exploring notable wines from Vinho Verde, Douro Valley, Bairrada, and Alentejo. The conversation speaks to the unique characteristics of each region's grape varieties, Carlos' personal and passionate stories behind the wines, and the cultural significance of Portuguese winemaking. With a focus on both red and white wines, the episode highlights the affordability and acce...
May 01, 2025•28 min•Season 4Ep. 9
Exploring the Elegance of Grand Cru Saint-Émilion – A Deep Dive into Right Bank Bordeaux Wines In this episode, we uncork the world of Bordeaux wines , diving deep into the prestigious Grand Cru Saint-Émilion and the acclaimed Château Figeac . Join us as we explore the right bank of Bordeaux—its terroir , centuries-old wine history , and how it compares to the left bank . With expert tasting notes , food pairing tips, and insights from a Master S ommelier , we examine the nuances of wine charact...
Apr 16, 2025•19 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Did your parents ruin Sauv Blanc for you too? Sauvignon Blanc is more than just a crisp, grassy white wine—it’s a diverse and complex varietal with styles that vary dramatically depending on where it’s grown. In this episode, we challenge common misconceptions about Sauvignon Blanc by exploring how it differs across regions. From the bold, structured Sauvignon Blancs of South Africa to the refined, mineral-driven Pouilly-Fumé of France, we break down what makes each unique. We also discuss the e...
Apr 03, 2025•19 min•Season 4Ep. 7
In this episode, Angus O’Loughlin and Master Sommelier Carlos Santos delve into the diverse world of Spanish wines, shining a spotlight on lesser-known regions and grape varieties. They discuss the distinct characteristics of wines from Galicia, Ribera del Duero, and Montsant, offering personal insights and expert tips on wine tasting and pairing. Their conversation showcases the richness of Spanish wine culture and the rewards of venturing beyond well-known regions. Key Takeaways: Spanish wines...
Mar 20, 2025•19 min•Season 4Ep. 6
German Riesling with Erni Loosen. Exploring its evolution, the impact of global warming on grape ripening, and the unique terroir of the Mosel region. We discuss the versatility, the different styles and quality determinations, and the influence of microclimates on wine characteristics. The episode culminates in memorable wine experiences and reflections on the art of winemaking. Sponsors: RIEDEL Glassware: https://www.riedel.com/en-au RIEDEL Performance Riesling: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/sh...
Mar 06, 2025•27 min•Season 4Ep. 5
In this episode, Master Sommelier Carlos Santos and Angus O'Loughlin drink into the rich and diverse world of Italian wine, shining a light on underrated regions and distinctive Italian varietals. They explore wines from Trentino, Chianti Classico, and Primitivo, discussing their unique characteristics, tasting notes, and ideal pairings. The conversation also highlights the impact of vintage variations on wine quality. Whether you're a sommelier, a wine enthusiast, or simply looking for wine rec...
Feb 20, 2025•19 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Angus' first EVER Grand Cru Burgundy Pinot Noir! In this episode, Master Sommelier Carlos Santos guides us through the exquisite world of Burgundy wines, focusing on a rare 2016 Domaine De La Vougeraie 'Musigny' Grand Cru. The wine sells in Australia starting at $2,600+ BUT it is up for auction at Grays.com starting at $1 https://www.grays.com/lot/0019-10733409/private-cellar/pinot-noir-2016 In this episode we discuss: The significance of Grand Cru and Premier Cru classifications The challenges ...
Feb 06, 2025•16 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Ever found yourself in a bottle shop or staring at a wine list, desperately searching for a dry Rosé? But how do you know which one to pick? Maybe you’ve opted for a French label, convinced by a friend’s mum that it's dry? Perhaps you assume that the darker pink Rosés must be sweet? It’s time to bring in a Master Sommelier to guide us through buying and enjoying the perfect Rosé. In this episode, 25-year-old Amelia represents a large group of Rosé enthusiasts who feel overwhelmed by the sheer nu...
Jan 23, 2025•20 min•Season 4Ep. 2
In this episode of Got Somme hosts Angus and Master Sommelier Carlos Santos connect via satellite to Garth Hodgson for a 'One Bottle Review' of the champagne Frederick Savart L' Ouverture. We explore the nuances of whats in our glass, the price differences between the US and Australia, importance of temperature, and the evolution of flavours as the bottle is shared. The conversation emphasises the joy of drinking champagne in a relaxed setting, pairing it with various foods, and appreciating its...
Jan 09, 2025•13 min•Season 4Ep. 1
HAPPY NEW YEAR! 🥂🍾 In this special New Year's Eve episode, Master Sommelier Carlos Santos and co-host Angus O'Loughlin reflect on their favourite wines and moments of 2024, sharing personal stories and emotional connections tied to specific bottles. We discuss the significance of family and friends in wine experiences, highlight the unique qualities of Domaine de Trévallon, and explore the emerging wine scene in Australia, particularly focusing on the Aligoté grape. The episode concludes with ...
Dec 26, 2024•17 min•Season 3Ep. 25
In this festive episode of 'Got Somme' hosts Master Sommelier Carlos Santos and Angus O'Loughlin explore the unique Australian Christmas traditions, particularly focusing on the 9am wake up with sparkling red Shiraz. They discuss the cultural differences in wine between Australia and Portugal, the versatility of sparkling red wines, and how they pair with various holiday foods. The conversation also touches on the aging potential of these wines and concludes with a warm holiday message you - our...
Dec 19, 2024•11 min•Season 3Ep. 24
In this episode of Got Somme, Master Sommelier Carlos Santos challenges co-host Angus O’Loughlin to blind taste three exceptional wines: Nebbiolo, Pinot Noir, and a Bordeaux blend. While Carlos dives into what to expect from the wines flavours, aromas, and aging potential while contrasting old-world and new-world styles. Meanwhile, the apprentice shares his evolving expertise, adding a fresh perspective to the tasting experience. This episode blends education, fun, and flavour. Don't miss the sp...
Nov 28, 2024•19 min•Season 3Ep. 23
Owner Lindsay McCall and Head Wine Maker Jamie McCall of Paringa Estate take us on a deep dive into the legacy and craftsmanship behind one of the Mornington Peninsula's premier wineries. With a rich family history, Paringa Estate has become known for producing exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, drawing on time-honored techniques and innovative practices to create wines that stand out. With the release of the LJM Pinot Noir, Lindsay and Jamie share what this bottle means to them and how it s...
Nov 14, 2024•25 min•Season 3Ep. 22
Master Sommelier Carlos Santos and Angus O’Loughlin celebrate the 2025 Wine of the Year—a beautifully crafted Chardonnay from Oakridge . Together, they unravel the layers of this award-winning wine, exploring its unique aroma, complex flavours, and the best advice when it comes to this wines exceptional aging potential. They also reveal ideal drinking windows, perfect food pairings, and the masterful craftsmanship that makes this Chardonnay worthy of a wait list. Wine: https://oakridgewines.com....
Oct 31, 2024•14 min•Season 3Ep. 21
In this conversation, Paul Gordon from Leconfield Wines discusses the unique characteristics of Coonawarra, a renowned wine region in Australia, particularly known for its Cabernet Sauvignon. He explains the significance of the terroir, including the famous Terra Rossa soils, and the influence of climate on grape maturation. The discussion also covers the history of Leconfield Wines, the legacy of Sydney Hamilton, and the appeal of visiting Coonawarra for wine enthusiasts. 🔖Coonawarra, Cabernet...
Oct 17, 2024•11 min•Season 3Ep. 20
In this bubbly conversation, Angus O'Loughlin and Master Sommelier Carlos Santos delve into the world of champagne, discussing the rise of champagne content on social media and reveal Carlos' Top Five favourite champagne houses while exploring the unique characteristics of each. The episode highlights the differences between various champagne styles and producers culminating in a passionate discussion about why **** stands out as the ultimate champagne experience. We want to know WHATS YOUR FAV ...
Oct 02, 2024•24 min•Season 3Ep. 19
In this conversation, winemaker Liam McElhinney shares insights into the world of Tasmanian wine, particularly focusing on Lowestoft vineyard. He discusses the history of winemaking in Tasmania, the unique characteristics of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and the philosophy behind his winemaking techniques. The conversation also touches on the challenges of vineyard management, the importance of terroir, and the joy of sharing exceptional wines with the team during harvest. Buy the wine, drink the w...
Sep 19, 2024•19 min•Season 3Ep. 18
You WON'T believe what we paid for this bottle! Master Sommelier Carlos Santos discusses Bordeaux wines, specifically the first five growth wines, while tasting a bottle of 1988 La Mission Haut-Brion and talking about its history and classification. They also touch on the concept of super second growth wines and second wines of famous Château's. Do we dare compare Bordeaux wines to Australian wines? Discuss the importance of their individual terroir. Plus they reveal the pricing of the 1989 La M...
Sep 05, 2024•17 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Mastering Wine Etiquette - Expert Tips with Dr. Clinton Lee We’re joined by wine expert Dr. Clinton Lee to unravel the mysteries of wine etiquette and elevate your dining experience. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast , a dining novice , or someone looking to refine your wine manners , Dr. Lee will guide you through essential tips and common questions. What You’ll Learn: How to Properly Taste Wine: Dr. Lee shares techniques for savoring and appreciating different wines. Wine Pairing Etiquette: Dis...
Aug 22, 2024•28 min•Season 3Ep. 16
🌍🍷 How Global Warming is Changing the World of Wine 🌡️📉 Welcome to our latest episode of our wine podcast 'Got Somme' where we explore the fascinating and urgent topic of global warming and its impact on the wine industry! 🍇🍷 As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, the world of wine is undergoing dramatic changes. From altered grape harvests to shifting wine regions, pulling out varietals to replace with more resistant strains and the effects of climate change are reshaping the fu...
Aug 08, 2024•19 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Does '100 Points' mean a wine is "Perfect" and if so does that mean we are comparing that bottle against the worlds best? After seeing one of Australia's best wine writers Erin Larkins review of 2022 The Standish 'Lamella' we knew we had to get our hands on it and see what a Master Sommelier thinks! A little bit about Standish via Goodwood Cellars: A 6th generation Barossan, Dan Standish established his eponymous winery in 1999 whilst still working as winemaker at Torbreck Vintners. His endeavou...
Jul 25, 2024•10 min•Season 3Ep. 14
Mount Mary is listed amongst the elite of Australian wine such as Penfolds 'Grange' and Henschke 'Hill of Grace' so why does it cost $165 and the others start at $900? We asked Chief Winemaker Sam Middleton "I wonder what would have happened if we followed their price structure" After visiting his local wine shop Angus O'Loughlin asked Sam what his thought were when he sees Mount Mary wines marked up 100% BEFORE corkage "We treat our mailing list like family, what people do out of that is their ...
Jul 11, 2024•25 min•Season 3Ep. 13
We've all heard about following in your father's footsteps but for Sam Middleton of Mount Mary Vineyard we wanted to know if expectation meant invitation "There was probably never any doubt that I would end up doing what I'm doing now, wine was always a big part of my life" Taking our conversation on the Journey through working at Gevrey-Chambertin and cutting his teeth at Coldstream Hills and Dominique Portet before returning to his families estate as Chief Winemaker "Once you're back you're ve...
Jun 27, 2024•25 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Have a cracking bottle of Red Wine and you don't know if you should decant it? If you should - how long for? Master Sommelier Carlos Santos is here to debunk the decanting myths and describe the many benefits, including separating the sediment from the liquid . This is especially helpful for red wines. Decanting also enhances a wine's flavour by exposing it to oxygen, and allowing it to breathe. In this episode of Got Somme: We decant one wine into 3 different vessels to explain the process and ...
Jun 13, 2024•23 min•Season 3Ep. 11
"I've never done this" Toolangi Chief Winemaker Kaspar Hermann joins Master Sommelier Carlos Santos and Angus O'Loughlin in the Got Somme studio to do a WORLD FIRST tasting of 6 vintages of their famous 'F Block' chardonnay. Starting with Kaspar's first vintage of 2019 they work through each vintage tasting the sometimes chaotic seasonal conditions and discuss yield, expectations, ripening windows and much much more. The coolest part? Tasting 2 unreleased vintages in the 2023, Toolangi hold onto...
May 30, 2024•34 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Embarking his 20th vintage in Yarra Valley Toolangi winemaker Kaspar Hermann knows a thing or two about getting the best from a Chardonnay grape. Marrying into a wine making family, and taking a viticulture course himself in his teens, wine is where he was destined to be and after vintages with Seville Estate, Rochford and Mount Mary, Toolangi came calling. Taking over the reigns from legendary winemakers Rick Kinzbrunner, Franco D'Anna, David Bicknell and Willy Lunn his first vintage in 2019 wa...
May 16, 2024•21 min•Season 3Ep. 9
