Somerled

This is the venture of Robin and Heather Moody, and daughters Emma and Lucinda. The quietly spoken Robin (with a degree in oenology) joined Penfolds in 1969, and remained with Penfolds/Southcorp until 2001. In that year the Moodys commenced establishing a range of wines using contract-grown grapes, and now produce a sparkling wine, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Fume Blanc and Picnic Races Red and Shiraz (from Kangaroo Island). The wines are selected by Robin from parcels of young wine, during or after fermentation and are then blended and matured. The name comes from the bay gelding that Robin's grandfather raced to victory in the amateur steeplechase at the Oakbank Picnic Races in 1908, and which took its name from the Scottish king who defeated the Vikings in 1156. The other names, obviously enough, follow in the footsteps of Somerled. Exports to Hong Kong and China. -JAMES HALLIDAY