Each Easter we have another valid excuse to celebrate with Somerled bubbles!
The Somerled name is steeped in Oakbank Picnic Races tradition – for those outside South Australia, the Oakbank Picnic Races is the biggest picnic race meet in the Southern Hemisphere and has been held annually since the mid to late 1800s.

Somerled was the racehorse that Rob’s grandfather rode to victory in the 1908  Oakbank Amateur Steeplechase.

Fittingly, the current vintages of sparkling pinot, sauvignon blanc and chardonnay are all a short distance from the actual racetrack.

So on Easter Saturday 2011, we were able to hold our inaugural Champagne Breakfast, 3 courses, designed to set everyone up for the big day of racing ahead.

It was a beautiful morning, and – quite out of character for an Adelaide Hills Easter – bright and sunny.

We had a truly lovely day, with Andrea from Hills Gourmet recreating the delicious flaky egg and bacon picnic pies that were enjoyed by Heather and her family on their own visits to Oakbank in her youth.

We’ll be doing it again – every Easter!

Patatas bravas or papas bravas is a dish of the cuisine of Spain, often served as a tapa in bars. It typically consists of white potatoes that have been cut into about 2 centimeter irregular shapes and then fried in oil and served warm with a spicy tomato sauce. This dish is commonly served in restaurants and bars throughout Spain, where it is traditionally accompanied by a shot of orujo or a glass of wine.

The Somerled story starts with winemaker Robin’s grandfather, Stephen Bowd, a successful horseman. On April 20th 1908, at the Oakbank Picnic Races in the Adelaide Hills, he rode a horse called Somerled, winning the Amateur Steeplechase by 20 lengths. Robin never knew his grandfather. Stephen was killed in the First World War near Ypres in 1917. Rob’s mother Bett, however, was most proud of the Somerled brand and the cellar door concept. She saw what Rob and his family created with Somerled as a great acknowledgement of her father, who would have enjoyed the tribute enormously.

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VINTAGE 2008 $32

Dry, making for a wonderful, sophisticated aperitif.

Made in the methode champenoise, from 100% Pinot Noir.

Tiny, elegant bead.

Crushed strawberry aromas with a complex creaminess on the palate.

ROB’S TASTING NOTES

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VINTAGE 2010 $22

Made in the classic Adelaide Hills style, with 94 points from Halliday.

Cool climate flavoursome grapes, pure tank ferment -

ready to drink immediately!

Tropical and floral aromas jump out of the glass.

Soft on the palate, so try it with delicate dishes.

ROB’S TASTING NOTES

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VINTAGE 2005 $32

Rob’s flagship wine. Rich, warm, complex and mouthfilling.

Dark mocha and earthy flavours and aromas.

After 2 years in barrel and 5 more in bottle, it is reaching its peak in 2012 –

and will stay there long after, until about 2021.

ROB’S TASTING NOTES

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VINTAGE 2010 $33

Two barrels only – a genuinely experimental wine with stunning results.

A lush and indulgent wine – it’s our sauvignon blanc that’s been worked on.

We’ve treated in Hungarian oak.

Hazelnuts, cream and mandarin peel on the complex palate.

See the winemaker’s notes to read more of Rob’s quiet triumph!

Cellar door availability only.

ROB’S TASTING NOTES

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VINTAGE 2009 $22

Spicy, savoury European-style red.

Bright red cherries and marzipan.

Dry and medium weight – a wonderful food wine.

Serve straight from the fridge on summer days!

ROB’S TASTING NOTES

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