In the final episode of Got Somme for 2025, Angus O’Loughlin and Master Sommelier Carlos Santos reflect on the year that was through the wines that defined it.

Rather than revisiting bottles already featured on the podcast, Carlos reveals a personal Wine of the Year driven by memory, place and emotion. A Champagne enjoyed on a beach at sunset, oysters and lobster on hand, and a moment that perfectly captured why wine is never just about what is in the glass. Angus counters with his own standout wine of the year, an Australian Semillon that completely exceeded expectations and cut through a line-up of elite wines to steal the show.

Along the way, they dive deep into Champagne ageing, Blanc de Blancs versus Brut styles, the importance of time on lees, the underrated ageing power of Australian Semillon, and why context and connection matter more than price tags.

The episode also marks the end of an enormous year for Got Somme, celebrating huge audience growth and setting the stage for what is coming in 2026.

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Key Takeaways:

• Wine of the Year is about moments, not price or prestige
• Blanc de Blanc Champagne prioritises freshness, acidity and elegance
• Time on lees dramatically changes Champagne texture and flavour
• Australian Semillon is one of the world’s most underrated ageing wines
• Some wines need patience before they truly show their potential
• Emotional connection often defines the wines we remember most
• Great wine clears the palate as much as it excites it
• Context, food and company can elevate a wine beyond expectation

Wines Featured in This Episode

Delamotte Blanc de Blancs Champagne

Brokenwood ILR Semillon (Hunter Valley)

Chapters

00:00 Wine of the Year reveal begins

01:20 Champagne glassware and tasting context

02:45 Delamotte Blanc de Blancs explained

04:50 Champagne ageing, lees and style differences

07:10 Why freshness beats brioche for some drinkers

09:20 Other standout Champagne moments of the year

11:40 Fortified wines and a historic Rutherglen tasting

13:30 Angus’ Wine of the Year reveal

15:30 Why Australian Semillon is so underrated

16:50 Ageing potential and future evolution

18:50 Got Somme audience growth and 2026 plans

21:00 Final reflections and sign off

Welcome to Got Somme, the ultimate wine podcast where Master Sommeliers and wine experts share their tips, blind tasting challenges, and insider knowledge from vineyards around the world. Whether you’re a wine beginner or a seasoned enthusiast, we explore everything from wine education and wine tasting techniques to sparkling wines, red vs white, and the best wines under $30. Subscribe for weekly episodes and join us as we taste, learn, and uncover the stories behind your favourite wines. Perfect for anyone looking to improve their wine knowledge, discover new wine regions, or just enjoy a fun, educational chat about wine.