In this episode of Got Somme, Carlos and Angus explore the fascinating world of aged wine by tasting two vintages of the Clonakilla Shiraz Viognier — one from 2002 and another from 2022. Together, we uncover how time transforms wine, from its colour and aroma to its structure and flavour.

We dive into the importance of wine closures, the art of decanting older bottles, and how visual differences like hue and clarity can reveal a wine’s journey. Through this side-by-side tasting, we reveal how aging develops complexity, showcasing the elegance of well-crafted Shiraz Viognier over two decades.

Beyond tasting notes, we'll reflect on their personal connection to the Clonakilla label and its place in the history of Got Somme. Whether you’re a casual drinker or a dedicated collector, this episode celebrates the beauty of aged Australian wine and the passage of time in every bottle.

Key Takeaways

• Aged wine offers a unique journey through time.

• Closures play a major role in how wine matures.

• Visual cues—colour and clarity—signal a wine’s age and development.

• Tasting notes evolve over time, revealing complex layers.

• Decanting aged wines enhances aroma and smoothness.

• Comparing different vintages offers insight into craftsmanship and climate.

• The Shiraz Viognier blend holds historical and regional significance.

• Wine can evoke personal memories and connections.

• The 2002 vintage showcases the art of patient aging.

• Both wines tell distinct yet equally compelling stories.

Chapters

00:00 – Aged Wine: A Journey Through Time
02:54 – The Evolution of Wine Closures
06:05 – Tasting Notes: Comparing 2002 and 2022
08:45 – The Significance of Shiraz Viognier
11:42 – Decanting and Serving Recommendations
14:43 – Final Thoughts on Wine Comparisons

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.