Master Sommelier Thought This Australian Wine Was Bordeaux

Master Sommelier Thought This Australian Wine Was Bordeaux

Author: SESSION in PROGRESS May 13, 2026 Duration: 4:19

What happens when a Master Sommelier mistakes an Australian Merlot for Bordeaux?


In this episode of Got Somme, Carlos Santos goes deep into a blind wine tasting challenge packed with blackcurrant, oak spice, massive confidence… and a few dramatic turns along the way.


From “this is definitely Bordeaux” to correctly calling the grape, alcohol, and vintage, this blind tasting proves just how deceptive great wine can be. Expect chaos, elite palate breakdowns, wine education, and plenty of laughs as Carlos works through every clue in the glass.

If you’ve ever wanted to understand how sommeliers actually taste wine blind, this episode is for you.


Bottle: 2023 Summerfield Wines Merlot

https://summerfieldwines.com.au/shop/merlot-2016/


Glassware used: RIEDEL

Use code: GOTSOMME at check out for 25% off!

https://www.riedel.com/en-au/


In This Episode

  • How sommeliers analyse wine blind
  • Breaking down tannins, alcohol, acidity, and oak
  • Why Merlot can taste like Bordeaux
  • The difference between Old World vs New World wine styles
  • Blind tasting pressure and deduction
  • Summerfield Wines surprising a Master Sommelier
  • Blackcurrant, Ribena, spice, oak, and structure explained
  • “Can confirm it’s not Chardonnay.”
  • “There’s definitely engineered oak.”
  • “Merlot from Bordeaux… some sort of Bordeaux AOC.”
  • “You got the vintage, alcohol, and grape variety right.”
  • “We’re gonna f*** the box. Gotta grab the grape.”



Blind wine tasting, Master Sommelier, Merlot tasting, Bordeaux vs Australian wine, wine podcast Australia, GOT SOMME podcast, Carlos Santos, blind tasting challenge, wine education, Merlot vs Bordeaux, wine tasting notes, best wine podcasts, wine expert reacts, sommelier challenge, Australian Merlot, Summerfield Wines



Ever felt a bit lost staring at a wine list or wondering what you're actually tasting in your glass? Got Somme is here to help, without any of the pretence. This isn't a stuffy lecture; it's a conversation between Master Sommelier Carlos Santos and his mate, radio announcer Angus O'Loughlin, who's keen to learn but starting from scratch. Each episode, Carlos guides Angus-and by extension, all of us-through the fundamentals, breaking down everything from grape varieties and regional styles to understanding why a wine tastes the way it does. The real magic happens when they're joined by some of the world's most respected winemakers, who share the stories and craft behind their bottles. You'll hear Carlos explain how to pick a good wine from a bad one, demystifying terms like tannin and terroir along the way. It's an accessible, often funny journey into wine, perfect for anyone who enjoys a glass but wants to understand the world behind it. Produced by SESSION in PROGRESS, this podcast turns curiosity into genuine knowledge, one bottle at a time.
Author: Language: en-au Episodes: 50

Got Somme : Master Sommelier's Wine Podcast
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