WTN: Donkey and Goat Merlot

2011 Donkey and Goat Merlot, Anderson Valley. 12.5% abv.

Somewhat "controversial" among my dinner companions, but as a member of the elitist anti-flavor brigade, I loved this lean, savory, yet fruity Merlot. Definitely shows the "natural wine" flavor profile, with some tartness...which I actually love. There was also plenty of fresh, rich red plum skin. A very nice quaffer! Delicious! Proves that Merlot does not NEED to be pushing 15% abv!

Actually intended to buy Broc Grenache, but he was closed on Friday. He is moving his facility down the street (a few doors down from D&G instead of around the corner, and we actually watched Chris Brockway driving barrels stacked on a forklift down Fifth Street!

Actually intended to buy Broc Grenache, but he was closed on Friday. He is moving his facility down the street (a few doors down from D&G instead of around the corner, ...

Wow, how convenient! I would love to live next door to a winemaker whose wines I liked...wait a moment, maybe I wouldn't

I only have 1 bottle of Donkey&Goat, the syrah. Is this something you would wait on?

Nice. I didn't know they made a Merlot. And in AV no less. Very cool.

Jason

Nice. I didn't know they made a Merlot. And in AV no less. Very cool.

Jason

Yeah...it may be a one off or something. As you know, they mostly do Rhone varietals.
(And Chardonnay that is actually delicious!)

Actually intended to buy Broc Grenache, but he was closed on Friday. He is moving his facility down the street (a few doors down from D&G instead of around the corner, ...

Wow, how convenient! I would love to live next door to a winemaker whose wines I liked...wait a moment, maybe I wouldn't

I only have 1 bottle of Donkey&Goat, the syrah. Is this something you would wait on?

Ah...I should be clearer. Broc is moving down the street from Donkey and Goat, whose tasting room and winery are a couple of buildings east of the new Broc winery on Fifth Street near Gilman in Berkeley. He was located on a cross street 1/2 block away from Donkey and Goat (a three minute walk), so we were all watching the move underway while drinking D&G!

The Syrah can certainly age, I am thinking. They are a relatively new winery, so there is not a long experience with the wines, but given the acidity, lighter fruit extraction, etc...I am guessing the Syrahs will. Note that they are low sulfur, so store appropriately!