TN: 2008 A Donkey and Goat Syrah Fenaughty

2008 A Donkey and Goat Syrah Fenaughty - USA, California, Sierra Foothills, El Dorado County (4/10/2016)
Drinking very well, but in no way mature. Lots of deep red fruit, meaty overtones and good overall structure create a satisfying, complete wine. Based on what I tasted there appears to be lots of time and upside for this wine.

Posted from CellarTracker

I was at a cool restaurant in town last night and they had D&G on the menu. Was interested to try it as I had seen some postings here about this winery, and I like Rhone whites. Went with the Roussanne Stone Crusher. Had no idea it was “orange wine”. Not a fan, manager took it back as they have it by the glass as well.

So what’s the story behind this winery and this orange wine thing? Are the syrahs made in any style that is distinct from the typical style of Syrah that you and I seem to both enjoy. I like Edmund’s Fenaughty Syrah.

I don’t know the winery all that well. Orange wine is a trend I cannot wait to be rid of.

This particular wine is not so different from ESJ from the same site. A little bit richer, but still nicely structured.

David, your note fits with my experience as well. It’s really fine and representative of Fenaughty.
Robert, I really don’t have much experience with orange wines except with the Stonecrusher. I’ve come to think these will probably be at their best after the Roussanne ages more and that its character will show more. Here are some notes. I think 2009 was the first vintage and not fermented as ‘orange’ as the 2010:

  • 2010 A Donkey and Goat Roussanne Stone Crusher - USA, California, Sierra Foothills, El Dorado County (11/8/2013)
    My past experience with DAG roussanne did not prepare me for this orange wine. Opened while cooking it seemed tannic, tired and tedious. Maybe Good, Very Good at best. Pairing it with garlic chicken with anchovy-lemon sauce it’s a completely different story. The food and wine enhance each other. The Stone Crusher becomes explosive with myriad fruits, zinging acidity and a long finish. I have never seen such a dichotomy in taste as in this one with and without food. But make it the right kind of match, something with the heft and acidity of this chicken dish. Excellent to Outstanding.
  • 2009 A Donkey and Goat Roussanne Stone Crusher - USA, California, Sierra Foothills, El Dorado County (3/16/2013)
    Great bouquet and on the palate! Flowers, tropical fruits, salt taffy in an explosive, viscous mix. I think a few more years may add more even more layers. Excellent.
  • 2009 A Donkey and Goat Roussanne Stone Crusher - USA, California, Sierra Foothills, El Dorado County (1/29/2011)
    Despite the Stonecrusher moniker this wine is evolving towards classic Roussanne. Fairly explosive on the palate with citrus, tropical fruits with a medium-weight, oily mouthfeel. It does have a very minerally undercurrent to it, but it’s not crushing in any way. This will get even better with age. For now, Very Good.
  • 2009 A Donkey and Goat Roussanne Stone Crusher - USA, California, Sierra Foothills, El Dorado County (8/23/2010)
    Donkey and Goat Fall Release Tasting (Donkey and Goat Winery, Berkeley, CA): The name says it all…Gooseberry, honeysuckle, sour candy and mineral nose. On the palate, fairly heavy mouthfeel with honey, carmel, jasmine, some fruit and a salty aftertaste. I like it, but this could be a love it or hate it wine.