Fall 2018 Release: Misfits & Influencers!
"Music is the wine that fills the cup of silence." - Robert Fripp
Michelle and I love to consume music. We have been fortunate that the universe has connected us with some of the best people working in the music business. The live shows at Whetstone are really an extension of what we do every day. It is always about the experience and how we connect with people. In an ever-changing industry, our story of struggle, lucky breaks, setbacks, perseverance and support from people who believed in us is what almost anyone can relate to.
Over the past half of the year Michelle and I have been on a tear reading through accounts of musicians and influencers that cemented their fame. A few books struck me as amazing not only for the first person accounts, but for the brutal honesty penned by each artist:
For me, successful musicians and winemakers seem to understand what it takes to monetize passion. Music is no different in degree of difficulty and lifetime commitment to your skill set. Also, I love understanding why people are who they are and what influences drive them to be/do certain things. In each of the books you get a full discourse on heroes and villains alike that shaped the artist. These books are for the workers, dreamers, lovers and loners, artists, freaks or anyone who wants to be baptized in the holy river of rock and roll.
The folks that shaped me most begin with my grandmother Marguerite “Rita” Rodwell. I bused tables and washed dishes at her restaurant The Rice Paddy in Georgetown, SC during the summers beginning at age 10. She taught me the importance of Southern Hospitality and the art of being present.
My first job and lucky break in the wine industry was driving a tractor and pruning old vine zinfandel for Larry Turley of Turley Wine Cellars under the direction of Ehren Jordan of Failla Wines. I garnered a ground level education in farming, along with a few life lessons and the opportunity to launch Whetstone.
Christophe Morin and Jacques Seyssess from Domaine Dujac gave me a crash course in farming Pinot Noir in Burgundy and the importance of family. Jacques once said to me: "If it comes down to making 1000 cases less wine in exchange for being at all your kids’ games- do that."
Fred Scherrer had a huge impact on me as a California winemaker & true Vigneron. He put Dehlinger on the map in 1994 and has continued to farm, harvest, and craft wonderful Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir under his eponymous label Scherrer. The finesse he employs in his wines while not being afraid of the abundant California sunshine is an art form that I aspire to.
So, without further ado, I present...2018 FALL RELEASE WINES (along with the perfect book pairings):
TASTING NOTES: Stainless steel fermented, aged for 10 months sur lees in 100% French oak; 20% new oak. Bottled unfined, unfiltered. Ruby red in color. Ripe nose of candied raspberry, dark cherry, and floral rose petal tea. Background notes of Bing cherry, freshly picked mint and tarragon. Medium-bodied, vibrant flavors of velvety plum and red berry fruits. Secondary flavors of ripe cranberry tea, cherry cola, citrus peel and hints of tobacco with long, ripe tannins and bright finish.
BOOK PAIRING: "Born to Run," like Bruce, a crowd pleaser and true blue.
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TASTING NOTES: Stainless steel fermented, aged for 28 months sur lees in neutral French oak barrels. Dark purple in color. Expressive nose full of ripe red currants, savory red meats, black licorice and saddle leather. Secondary aromas of white pepper, bay leaf, cinnamon, and pipe tobacco. Intense flavors of raspberry, cassis and currants, with hints of baker’s chocolate and tobacco. Finishes long with velvety tannins and lively acidity.
BOOK PAIRING: "Just Kids," like Patti, a bit more punk rock and just gets better with age.
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TASTING NOTES: Stainless steel fermented, aged for 16 months sur lees in 100% French oak; 35% new oak. Bottled unfined, unfiltered. Deep ruby red in color. Really big nose of alpine strawberry, rose petal, anise and clove. Secondary aromas of orange citrus peel, cayenne, and Mexican chocolate. Full-bodied flavors of ripe cherry, dark raspberry, and blueberry pie. Luxurious, long finish with flavors of dark red fruits and baker’s chocolate framed by soft tannins and mild acidity.
BOOK PAIRING: "My Life Inside Rock And Out," like Bill, a class act all the way.
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Crack a bottle, grab a book and enjoy!
- Jamey Whetstone
Aug 21, 2018 at 4:47 PM
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