2006 A Donkey and Goat Winery Perli Vineyards Reserve Syrah Potato Patch Block

Donkey & Goat Winery in Berkeley is part of the new wave of urban “garagiste” producers. Up and down the West Coast young winemakers who generally do not own vineyards are making very small batch wines in basements, garages and urban industrial parks. Typically, they make varietals or blends that are not common to their region, and they contract with vineyards for grapes. Donkey & Goat also sets itself outside of the mainstream by making what it calls “natural wines,” a philosophy which covers both agricultural and cellar practices. Donkey & Goat is owned and operated by the husband and wife team of Jared and Tracey Brandt. They have been making wines commercially since the early 2000s, contracting for grapes from growers in the Sierra Nevada, Mendocino and Napa, always working with vineyard managers who practice some variation of sustainable, organic and/or biodynamic viticulture. In the cellar the Brandts believe in minimal intervention. Donkey & Goat makes many Rhone style wines, both red and white, as well as Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Gris.

Mendocino AVA was established in 1984 and amended in 1989. It includes numerous sub-appellations. Mendocino AVA is entirely within Mendocino County, and the AVA is known for its Mediterranean climate. Vintners successfully grow Carignan, Charbono, Grenache, Zinfandel, Petit Sirah and Syrah. In cooler parts of the region Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are also grown. Mendocino County is home to nearly 600 vineyards, and many have been certified organic for decades, thanks to the region’s famous “green and sustainable” approach to agriculture and nearly everything else. Mendocino was named for 16th century explorers, a pair of brothers whose last name was Mendoza. Winemaking, however, didn’t start until the 19th century when some would-be gold miners decided it was more profitable to make wine than to pan for gold. Italian immigrants in the late 19th century continued to establish winemaking ventures.

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.