Donkey and Goat Three Thirteen 2006

Three Thirteen is our blend using three of the thirteen varietals traditionally permitted in Châteauneuf-du-Pape (CdP). Ours includes Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache with all of the Grenache and Mourvèdre and all but one Syrah (Brosseau) coming from El Dorado in the Sierra Foothills. The components were mostly uniquely vinified and aged until the final blend was created in September. All were only de-stemmed, lightly crushed with varying levels of foot stomping and fermented in open top wood vats. Some of the Syrahs included whole cluster fermentations. The macerations ranged from 18 days for the Grenache to 25 days for the Syrahs (Mourvédre in the middle at 23 days). All fermentations were natural.

Enticing aromas of leather with spices like cardamom, nutmeg, black and white pepper are interlaced with plum, blueberry and cola. After a few moments gamey and meaty notes become more prominent with hints of bark and graphite. On the palate this seductive and superbly structured wine coats the mouth with velvety and dusty tannins for a long and lingering finish. It should only get better for at least the next 5-8 years.