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#sort=bestSeller
• Grays.com Buy the wine, drink the wine where we get ours: https://www.grays.com/search/wine

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.

The Wine That Changed My Life: Blind Tasting 12 Australian Gamays

What happens when you put Australia’s best Gamay producers head-to-head in a blind tasting? In this episode, host Angus O’Loughlin and Master Sommelier Carlos Santos sit down with 12 bottles, including cult favourite Sorrenberg Gamay, to uncover which Australian Gamay truly stands out.

From Geelong to Gippsland, Beechworth to the Adelaide Hills, we pour, swirl, and sip our way through an extraordinary lineup that showcases the diversity, vibrancy, and rising reputation of Gamay in Australia.

In This Episode:

• The story of the 2019 Sorenberg Gamay – the wine that changed Angus’s life

• Blind tasting 12 Australian Gamays side by side

• How terroir, whole bunch fermentation, oak, and acidity play into style and balance

• The difference between approachable, fruit-driven Gamay vs. high-end, complex bottlings

• Which Gamays deliver value under $40 – and which bottles justify $80+

Featured Wines:

• Sorrenberg Gamay (Beechworth)

• Bass Phillip Gamay (Gippsland)

• Farr Rising Gamay (Geelong)

• Bannockburn Gamay (Geelong)

• Sinapius Gamay (Tasmania)

• Timo Mayer (Yarra Valley)

• Gum Wines Gamay (Heathcote)

• Catlin 'Gallard' Gamay (Adelaide Hills)

• Lyon’s Will Estate Gamay (Macedon Ranges)

• Beyond the Pines 'Wind River' Gamay (Adelaide Hills)

• Eldridge Estate Gamay (Mornington Peninsula)

…and more.

Why Listen?

If you’ve ever wondered where Australian Gamay sits compared to Beaujolais, or which bottles deserve a place in your cellar, this is the tasting for you. Whether you’re a casual drinker, a sommelier, or a collector, this episode brings insider knowledge, lively debate, and plenty of laughs along the way.

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Wa wa wee wa"

In this episode of Got Somme, our hosts take you on a journey through two fascinating and lesser-known wine regions: Kazakhstan and Georgia. Featuring a listener’s selection of bottles, we explore the unexpected elegance of a Kazakhstan Pinot Noir and the bold character of a Georgian Saperavi. Along the way, we'll discuss tasting notes, cultural traditions, and winemaking techniques that set these regions apart.

Sponsors:

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

Socials:

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

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

Key Takeaways

• Kazakhstan wines can surprise with unique flavours and quality.
• Listener participation makes wine discovery more engaging.
• Dr. Meyer stands out for low-intervention winemaking.
• Comparing regions reveals striking differences in style and character.
• Georgian wines are rooted in ancient traditions and native varieties.
• Tasting notes evolve as wines breathe in the glass.
• Serving temperature plays a crucial role in how wine is experienced.
• Cultural context enriches the wine-tasting journey.
• Wine discovery often involves unexpected aromas and flavours.

Chapters

00:00 – Exploring Unique Wines from Kazakhstan

02:40 – Listener’s Choice: Wines from Kazakhstan and Georgia

05:43 – Tasting and Comparing: Dr. Meyer vs. Kazakhstan Pinot Noir

08:36 – Diving into Georgian Wines: The Saperavi Experience

11:40 – Reflections on Wine Culture and History 1

4:29 – Final Thoughts and Future Wine Adventures

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover how one grape tells two stories. Rhône Valley Syrah meets Heathcote Shiraz in a tasting that uncorks terroir, trends, and label politics.

Syrah and Shiraz share identical genetics yet walk very different cultural paths. In this episode of Got Somme, we taste benchmark bottles from France’s Rhône Valley alongside Heathcote, Victoria, to reveal how soil, climate, and marketing shape each wine’s personality. You'll learn why cooler-climate Australian producers are embracing the term “Syrah", how Cambrian soil defines Heathcote Shiraz, and what these trends mean for Australia’s export future.

We alos want to know your thoughts on what defines labelling Syrah on Australian bottles?

Sponsors:

• RIEDEL Wine Glasses: RIEDEL Superleggero Hermitage/Syrah https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop/riedel-superleggero-premium/hermitage-syrah-642500041
• Grays.com Buy the wine, drink the wine where we get ours: https://www.grays.com/search/wine

Socials:

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

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

Key Takeaways

• One grape, two personas: “Syrah” signals elegance while “Shiraz” hints at bold generosity.

• Labels guide perception: Name choice influences consumer expectations before the first sip.

• Terroir tells the truth: Rhône delivers peppery finesse, Heathcote offers mineral-driven power.

• Trends are cyclical: Market demand swings between delicate and full-bodied styles.

• Blind tasting wins: Remove the label and let origin and craftsmanship speak louder.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Syrah vs Shiraz Debate

• 02:50 French Style Deep-Dive

• 06:03 Rhône vs Heathcote Tasting Notes

• 08:55 Shiraz’s Evolution in Australia

• 11:38 Reading the Label: Syrah or Shiraz

• 14:38 Looking Ahead: Future of Australian Shiraz

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Natural wine" words strong enough to make a Somms knees weak.

The low-intervention style that's gaining traction across wine bars, bottle shops, and dinner tables globally. Whether you’re a seasoned sommelier or a curious sipper, this episode offers insights into the natural wine movement, its differences from organic wine, and why pet-nats (pétillant naturels) are popping up on every trendy wine list.

Master Sommelier Carlos Santos unpacks key elements of natural winemaking, the certifications (or lack thereof), and why taste profiles can be wildly different from conventional wines. They share firsthand experiences from the wine industry, discuss how terroir and fermentation practices influence flavour, and answer audience questions about pairing and building inclusive wine lists.

Whether you're researching what natural wine means, how it’s made, or just looking to better understand organic vs natural wine, this episode is a go-to resource.

So use your roll on crystal deodorant, face the tidal moon and take your shows of and earth yourself while enjoying this episode!

Sponsors:

• RIEDEL Superleggero Champagne Wine Glass: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop/riedel-superleggero-premium/champagne-wine-glass-642500028
• RIEDEL Veloce Chardonnay: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop/veloce/chardonnay-633000097
• RIEDEL Performance Pinot Noir: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop/performance/pinot-noir-688400067
• Grays.com Buy the wine, drink the wine where we get ours: https://www.grays.com/search/wine

Socials:

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

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

Key Takeaways:

• Natural wines are increasingly popular with younger wine drinkers and urban markets.

• Organic wines are certified; natural wines are not, but both prioritise sustainability.

• Pet-nats are bottled before fermentation ends, creating natural fizz from trapped CO₂.

• Low-intervention winemaking avoids additives and heavy filtering.

• Natural wines vary widely in taste depending on winemaker choices and vineyard conditions.

• Great wine lists balance personal taste with broad appeal for all customers.

• Terroir and winemaking technique are key to flavour, especially in natural wine.

• Don’t be afraid to pair natural wines with unexpected foods for unique results.

• Engaging with audiences drives better wine education and community.

• Grenache may thrive in warmer climates due to climate change.

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to Natural Wines
02:54 – Organic vs Natural Wine: Key Differences
05:59 – What Are Pet-Nats? Flavour and Production Explained
08:45 – Why Natural Wines Are Trending
11:52 – Tasting Notes: Exploring Unique Natural Wines
14:42 – Terroir, Techniques, and Taste
17:47 – Q&A: Real Questions From Curious Wine Drinkers

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Got Somme, hosts Angus O’Loughlin and Carlos Santos dive into the world of champagne, putting the spotlight on two iconic but often overlooked labels: Piper Heidsieck and Bollinger. From sustainability in champagne production to the bold taste of oak-aged wines, this episode is packed with insights that go beyond the bottle.

Whether you’re stocking up for an event, planning a wine tasting, or just want better bang-for-buck than Moët & Veuve, this is the wine podcast episode for you.

Sponsors:

• RIEDEL Superleggero Champagne Wine Glass: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop/riedel-superleggero-premium/champagne-wine-glass-642500028
• Grays.com Buy the wine, drink the wine where we get ours: https://www.grays.com/search/wine

Socials:

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

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

🍾 Key Takeaways:

• Champagne isn't just for midnight toasts — it's a drink for any time of day.

• Piper Heidsieck delivers incredible value in the non-vintage champagne category.

• Bollinger is rich, bold, and complex thanks to its oak barrel fermentation.

• Sustainability is a growing priority in champagne production.

• Champagne is more than a drink — it's a cultural icon and social signal.

• Bigger production often means lower prestige — but not always.

• Personal champagne memories can shape your taste forever.

• Champagne pairs beautifully with food — think beyond oysters.

• Sugar levels matter! Brut vs Extra Brut changes everything.

• Both Piper Heidsieck and Bollinger deserve a place in your fridge.

🕒 Chapters:

• 00:00 — Champagne Recommendations for Every Occasion

• 03:00 — Exploring Piper Heidsieck and Bollinger

• 05:51 — The Prestige of Champagne: Brand Comparisons

• 08:52 — Sustainability in Champagne Production

• 12:03 — The Influence of Champagne in Pop Culture

• 14:56 — Personal Champagne Experiences and Recommendations

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"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 sommelier culture. With both participants sharing their insights, tasting notes, and predictions, this is a must-listen for anyone curious about the intersection of AI and the wine industry.

Listen now to explore the bold new frontier where technology meets terroir—and find out who really knows their wine: man or machine?

Sponsors:

• RIEDEL Veloce Chardonnay: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop/veloce/chardonnay-633000097
• Grays.com Buy the wine, drink the wine where we get ours: https://www.grays.com/search/wine

Socials:

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

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

Key Takeaways:

• 🤖 AI is powerful, offering fast wine recommendations, but still lacks the intuition and emotional nuance of a human.

• 🍷 Carlos Santos demonstrates the depth of human wine tasting experience, especially in a blind challenge.

• 🧠 ChatGPT uses vast data for analysis, but context and subtlety remain its weaknesses.

• 💬 The conversation explores how AI tools like ChatGPT might complement sommeliers—not replace them.

• 🌍 Discussions also touch on wine regions, Burgundy wines, and personal preferences.

• ❤️ Carlos’s stories bring out the romance of wine—something AI can’t replicate (yet).

Chapters:

00:00 – AI vs. Master Sommelier Showdown
02:59 – Tasting a Classic French Chardonnay
05:59 – Blind Tasting Challenge: Red Wine Edition
08:55 – AI's Strengths and Weaknesses in Wine Assessment
11:41 – Human vs. Machine: Final Thoughts on Wine Tasting
14:44 – Audience Q&A: Wine Regions, Preferences & Pairings

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 broadly, central to wine education and the sommelier world.

Sponsors:

• RIEDEL Veritas Cabernet: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop/veritas/cabernet-merlot-644900098
• Decanter: https://www.riedel.com/en-au/shop/decanter/amadeo-phyllon-decanter-175600P13
• Grays.com Buy the wine, drink the wine where we get ours: https://www.grays.com/search/wine

Socials:

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

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

🍇 Key Takeaways

• The 1995 Diamond Creek vintages are standout examples of well-aged Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Napa’s American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) offer an incredible diversity of terrain and taste.
• Aged wines can become difficult to distinguish, often looking and tasting remarkably similar.
• Napa's terroir—mountains, valleys, and microclimates—shapes its wine characteristics in distinct ways.
• When compared to regions like Bordeaux and Margaret River, Napa Cabernet reveals unique stylistic differences.
• The Judgment of Paris (1976) proved California wines could rival—and surpass—France.
• High land and production costs drive Napa’s premium wine pricing, creating a gap in mid-range offerings compared to countries like Australia.
• California is pivotal in the global wine education space and sommelier training.

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Diamond Creek Wines

03:00 – Exploring Napa Valley’s Wine Regions

05:58 – Tasting the 1995 and 1996 Vintages

08:57 – Comparing Global Cabernet Regions

12:00 – The Economics of Wine Pricing

13:50 – The Importance of California in Wine Education

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.