Goodman Nikkal Pinot Noir 2017

If you happen to be a secondary school History teacher, you may find yourself bombarded with questions by snot nosed children who no longer truly understand communication outside the context of a YouTube vlog. Undoubtedly, you've heard "but, Miss what did the Phoenicians even do for us, like, what apps did they design?" At which point you respond "well do you like the alphabet, pretty useful ay? The Phoenician alphabet is one the roots of modern language, boom!"

Unfortunately, one of the greatest things the Phoenicians are responsible for can't be appreciated by the under 18s; Kate Goodman's Pinot Noir. Named after the Phoenician goddess of fruits and orchards, the Nikkal wines are a celebration of the fruitful generosity of Yarra Valley vineyards. At least next time you get asked a stupid question by one of your students you can remember the gentle beauty of this lifted cherry, baking spice and forest floor scented Pinot and you might just make it through to last bell.

Kate Goodman is regarded as one of Australia’s most ethical contemporary winemakers. Her destiny was sealed when growing up amongst the lush rural countryside of the south coast of New South Wales. She developed respect for the land, the soils, the environment. Kate first studied Biomedical Science and whilst fascinated by the ever-evolving future in this profession, realised a white-coated scientist working inside a laboratory was not for her. However, her gained knowledge in microbiology opened her eyes to how it could be applied to a wide range of far-reaching opportunities.

The first such opportunity presented when Kate accepted an offer to work on a vintage at McLaren Vale winery Wirra Wirra. In Kate’s words: “I loved it!”. She worked alongside two young winemakers also destined for fame, Steve Pannell (S.C. Pannell) and Ben Riggs (Mr Riggs). She knew immediately this was to be her future and discovered microbiology was an integral factor in the science and ‘magic’ of winemaking. Whilst continuing to work at Wirra Wirra and later Tim Knappstein Wines in the Clare Valley, Kate studied winemaking and graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Science from Charles Sturt University. Now a qualified winemaker, Kate arrived at historic Seppelt Wines in Victoria’s Grampian region as a member of their team. It was here, over the next seven years, she honed her skills as part of a passionate innovative group of winemakers.

In 2001, Kate accepted an invitation to run a new family-owned vineyard and winery in the Yarra Valley. She took up the reins at Punt Road Wines as their chief winemaker, with a focus on small-batch cool climate wines. A role that continued until 2014. In 2003 Kate Goodman became a member of the alumni of the Len Evans Tutorial Scholars; each year wine professionals vie for one of only 12 places allocated to attend this coveted wine school. To this day she is also an active and respected Senior Wine Show Judge and consultant in Australia.

In 2012, needing a further challenge and with the blessing of her employer, she started her own wine company and crafted her first wines under the label Goodman Wines. Based in the heart of the pristine Yarra Valley and focusing on premium single vineyard parcels. Her extraordinary vintages quickly attracted fans wanting to purchase her award-winning wines.