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: 100

Got Somme : Master Sommelier's Wine Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Don't buy Rioja BUY THIS instead!  Master Somm's Spanish Wine picks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:53
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 characteristi…
German Riesling MASTERCLASS | Hosted by Dr. Loosen [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:22
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 determin…
Master Somm's UNDERRATED Italian Region & HUGE show announcement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:18
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…
This ISN'T worth the retail price | Grand Cru Burgundy Pinot Noir [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:39
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 Cr…
Master REVEALS how to pick DRY ROSÈ at bottle shop! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:01
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 dr…