Donkey and Goat is one of the better known wineries committed to natural wine. Operating since 2004 out of a small, urban facility in Berkeley CA they source fruit from sustainably farmed vineyards in Napa, Mendocino and the Sierra Foothills and employ minimal intervention winemaking—native yeasts, no fining or filtering, and nothing added except minimal sulfur at bottling. The amount of ink (or bites) they’ve received in the press is astounding.
This white Rhone-style blend exudes personality and inner strength.
A pretty golden hue in the glass, funky sea breeze aromas strike first, with lemon undertones, then showing honey, and ripe peach. Good intensity with the lure of the offbeat to stimulate interest.
The palate is texturally interesting initially showing a top layer of etched minerality, then a layer of fleshy, honeyed peach ornaments the midsection, finishing with subtle weight, like the feel of wet clay, and a final snap of lemon zest and salinity rekindling a fading melody.
Earthy, luridly erotic, and provocative, with Lady Marmalade it will dance with you.
Technical Notes: Sourced from Barsotti Vineyard at 2700 ft. in elevation in the Sierra Foothills, a blend of Clairette, Picpoul, Vermentino, Roussanne, and Grenache Blanc, aged 10 months in used oak.
Score: 92
Price: $42
Alc: 12.2%
