This spring our wines are red, white and pink AND our most diverse to date. We have five new wines plus limited quantities left on two vineyard designate Syrahs. All are available for purchase at our online store (adonkeyandgoatwine.com/shopping) beginning MARCH 1st.

• 2008 Grenache Rosé, Isabel’s Cuvée, our much anticipated pink wine made from 90+ year old Grenache Gris vines in the Mendocino sub appellation of the McDowell Valley

• 2007 The Prospector Mourvèdre, our first ever 100% Mourvèdre bottling called The Prospector to reference the gold rush history of the El Dorado appellation

• 2007 Four Thirteen, our GSM blend "Thirteen" series with the addition of Counoise as the 4th of thirteen potential varietals

• 2007 Roussanne, a minuscule El Dorado Roussanne bottling where our experiment with extended lees contact produced a more opulent wine than Tamarindo, its sibling

• 2007 Brosseau Vineyard Chardonnay, a mere 75 case production of our Chablis inspired Chardonnay made with our ver jus blending (watch us on NBC’s In Wine Country http://www.inwinecountry.com/?cat=5970254&subcat=5038749&video=218 )

• 2006 Vieilles Vignes Syrah, the oldest Syrah vines in California (and all of North America) produce one of our most popular Syrahs from the same vineyard as our Rosé

• 2006 Fenaughty Vineyard Syrah, we firmly believe in El Dorado for Rhône and no wine illustrates our belief better than this gorgeous Syrah from the Fenaughty Vineyard

Our dance card for March is filling quickly but several events are still being confirmed. We will stay current at adonkeyandgoat.com/Tasting&Events.html. Today we can confirm a winemaker dinner on March 21st at FSWB in uptown Oakland and our spring release grand finale – our OPEN HOUSE PARTY on SAT MARCH 28th. Both are detailed as events here in our winery group (scroll down, look right). Beginning in April we start the road trips with NY, CT, VA, D.C. and more.

Jared and I sincerely appreciate your interest and support and look forward to sharing our newest creations.

Santé,

Tracey & Jared

*****For those that like scores…..

As 2008 came to a close both Tanzer and Parker weighed in on our wines:

November/December 2008, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Focus on the Central Coast by Josh Raynolds

2006 Fenaughty Vineyard Syrah, El Dorado, 91pts:
Inky ruby. Classic syrah aromas of red and dark berries, violet, anise and cracked pepper. Juicy and fresh, offering vibrant blackberry and candied plum flavors, with a jolt of pepper on the back. Gains sweetness on the lively, long finish. I really like this wine's balance and precision.

2006 Three Thirteen, California, 89pts:
(a blend of syrah, mourvedre and grenache) Bright red. Spicy red berries and cherry on the nose, with suave floral, herbal and Asian spice qualities adding complexity. Fresh red berry flavors are framed by dusty tannins and given a tangy edge by bitter berry skin and peppery herbs. Fresh, brisk and refreshing, with good closing snap. Imagine a cross between pinot noir and high-quality Cotes du Rhone. Just over 92% of this fruit is from El Dorado; the rest comes from Chalone.

2007 Tamarindo Roussanne, El Dorado, 90pts:
(12.8% alcohol) Silver-yellow. Dried lime, pear and beeswax on the nose, with a suave floral honey undertone. Energetic citrus and orchard fruit flavors are complicated by smoky minerals and bitter pear skin. Becomes sweeter and deeper on the finish, which features juicy mango and white peach qualities while maintaining focus. This is lovely right now.

December 2008, Robert M. Parker Jr.'s The Wine Advocate, Issue 180

2006 A Donkey and Goat Syrah Vieilles Vignes, 88pts:
More fruit, a deeper, fleshier mouthfeel, and sweet tannins characterize the simple, but delicious, hedonistic 2006 Syrah Vieilles Vignes. This fruit-driven 2006 should be consumed sooner rather than later. The finest effort in this quartet comes from the limestone soils of the Chalone appellation.

2006 A Donkey and Goat Syrah Reserve Brosseau Vineyard, 89pts:
The 2006 Syrah Reserve Brosseau Vineyard offers up notions of crushed rocks, chalk, red, and black fruits. This medium to full-bodied effort is the most French-like of this trio (no doubt because of the limestone soils). It is a beefy, substantial wine with remarkable minerality and freshness. Drink it over the next 7-8 years.