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The Naked Range wines are expertly made by some of
the most experienced winemakers the Yarra Valley can offer. Rob
Dolan and Kate Goodman collectively, with their vast knowledge of
wines in all regions of Australia and overseas have consistently
produced award winning wines. These are the new breed of Aussie
wine makers who are showing the world the best of Australian
wines.
Rob Dolan
| Rob 'Sticks' Dolan
brings an impressive list of awards for his wines both in
Australian and international competitions. His career in the wine
industry began in South Australia where he learned the art of
winemaking from a couple of well-known teachers in Greg Clayfield
and John Vickory at Rouge Homme. His thirst for knowledge under
these distinguished winemakers was occurring in parallel with his
commitment to the Port Adelaide Football Club, where the towering
ruckman, known as 'sticks', was a dual premiership
player. |
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After studying at Roseworthy Agricultural College
Rob began making wine in the Hunter Valley with Arrowfield and
Rothbury Estate. In 1991 Rob became winemaker at Yarra Ridge. Here,
the opportunity of operating a small winery gave him the freedom to
experiment, helping him to hone his winemaking skills. These skills
were soon rewarded on the National Show circuit where he won
numerous trophies and gold medals including the top gold medal at
the Royal Melbourne Wine Show and placing in the Jimmy Watson
taste-off. Internationally, Rob won the prestigious
Bouchard-Finlayson Trophy for Champion Pinot Noir at the 1999
International Wine and Spirit Show in London.
In 2001, Rob released a new brand - Sticks - as
well as making the first vintage of the Naked Range. Both ranges
have been finely crafted with the skill and tenacity of a premium
wine maker.
Kate Goodman
Born and raised on the New South Wales south coast,
Kate moved to Sydney for tertiary studies in the field of
microbiology. Her studies initiated a strong interest in the wine
industry, to the extent that a complete career change was
established and she went to study winemaking at Charles Sturt
University.
Early winemaking years were spent in McLaren Vale
and the Clare Valley, before joining Seppelt Wines in Western
Victoria for the Winter of 1994. For six and a half years she
looked after a range of table wines including the varieties
Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir,
Shiraz and Cabernet. During this time fascination and love for the
Pinot Noir developed, which she considers as one of her greater
winemaking passions.
In addition to her time in Australia Kate has spent
time in Champagne, France on a scholarship, and four and a half
months in California, USA making red wines. As a show judge Kate
has covered the Ballarat, Victorian and Melbourne wine shows.
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