2014 El Dorado Sluice Box
A wild blend of vermentino, picpoul, grenache blanc, marsanne and roussanne grown at 2,800 feet of elevation, this gets its cloudy golden hue from extended skin contact. It’s resolutely savory, with flavors of carrot, turmeric and salt that last with a spicy and commanding persistence, yet there’s a refreshing florality at the end, an orange blossom scent that rises up out of the clay-like tannins. Hunter Hammett of Jardinière in San Francisco suggested matching its intense personality with oily fish, like mackerel. (467 cases)

77 Cult Americans

Thanks to dynamic booze shippers Brooks & Amos and Pacetti Imports, some of the most innovative and exciting new-wave wines from the US are now available in Australia. Look for The Scholium Project, Channing Daughters, Donkey & Goat and Dirty & Rowdy on hipster wine lists near you.

Gourmet Traveler, Australia
Hot 100 2014

“Top 100 Wines of 2011,” by Jon Boneé

The San Francisco Chronicle’s annual report of the year’s Top 100 Wines includes Donkey & Goat 2008 Four Thirteen, Red Wine blend. Mr. Bonné says, “Jared and Tracey Brandt’s take on a traditional Chateauneuf blend from the Sierra Foothills shows tremendous energy and depth. Bright strawberry fruit accented by balsam, sweet pepper and wild garrigue, completed by a darker mineral note.”