Passion. Spontaneity. Soul. Just a few words that come to mind when we get ready to introduce winemaker, Kate Goodman, to celebrate women in wine for this year’s International Women’s Day.
The head winemaker of Penley Estate in Coonawarra, South Australia, and the Owner/Winemaker of Goodman Wines in the Yarra Valley, Kate has established a career across two states making the styles of wine she loves, while also fulfilling her obligations as a mother, partner and what was required to survive her battle with breast cancer.
Kate is one of Australia's best contemporary winemakers. Several wineries have benefited from Kate's brilliance. There is no denial of talent and absolute harmony when it comes to Kate and Penley Estate collaboration since she started in 2016.
As direct descendants of the Penfold family with lifelong ties to the South Australian wine industry, Ang Tolley and Bec Tolley and the Penley team recognised the heart, talent and expertise of Kate to transform their wines into more bright, contemporary and universally attractive wines.
Kate Goodman: "With our Mythology range (home to Phoenix), I want the wines to be both contemporary, but recognisable as Penley. It's always in the back of your mind when winemaking - where is this grape destined to show up?
We need to always remember that the wines we make are the subject of the environment they're grown in, and that we really have to nourish these places. Always remember that wine is a living and breathing beverage. It's not a soft drink produced in a factory. These are really unique and special drinks."
Phoenix is a critically-acclaimed contemporary Cabernet: "Pretty and aromatic with dried-rose, spearmint and currant aromas and flavors. Medium body, soft and velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. Drink now. " James Suckling, 92 points, vintage 2018.