Spring Release News & Notes!

Welcome back all you Whetstoners!

How's the weather you ask?

Rain, rain, rain then lots of glorious sunshine! We are enjoying the precipitation that has been crucially lacking over the past 4 winters. It really hit home as Michelle and I drove to the top of Donner Pass and down towards Tahoe City... SNOW!! Needless to say, it’s a wonderful sight and will truly come to bare over the '16 growing season. 
 

What a PLEASANT vintage 2014 was in both quality and quantity!

These wines will be long lived and cellar well with plenty of fruit, silky tannins, and finesse. We're excited to be announcing the addition of the Terra de Promissio Pinot Noir this release! Owned by Charles and Diana Karren, she's now overseeing the vineyard after retiring from the world of finance. Historically, I have put this fruit into the Jon Boat Pinot, but beginning with the 2014 vintage and going forward it is all SVD (Single Vineyard Designate)! It sits just south of the Petaluma airport and Petaluma Gap, and is a wonderfully sloped, southern-facing vineyard that will only get better as time goes on.

-Jamey Whetstone

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D  R  U  M   R  O  L  L   P  L  E  A  S  E . . .

2014 Whetstone Pleasant Hill Pinot Noir

This Pinot sure isPLEASANT! Aged 16 months in 35% new French oak barrels, sur lees. Cherry red in color. High toned floral notes of citrus tea, rose petal, cola & Bing cherry. Secondary notes of vanilla, sassafras tea, & mint. Silky, rich flavors of Bing cherry pie, tea, soy & baker’s chocolate. Finishes long and velvety with fine tannins & hints of tea & spice.

 

2014 Whetstone Catie's Corner Viognier

Barrel fermented in neutral French oak and aged for 16 months sur lees. Golden yellow in color. Big, ripe floral nose of Meyer lemon, kiwi, jasmine, pine & apricot. Background notes of bees wax, licorice, & liquid minerals. Mouthful of apricot, Meyer lemon & key lime give way to a long, lingering finish.

 

2014 Whetstone Terra De Promissio Pinot Noir

Aged for 16 months in 35% new French oak barrels, sur lees. Cherry red in color. Floral notes of sassafras, rose & Rooibos tea with hints of Asian spice. Secondary notes of orange peel, forest floor & tobacco. Bright flavors of red plum, ripe cranberry & orange pekoe tea. Finishes long & refined with notes of bing cherry, tobacco & baker’s chocolate.

S H O P   N E W   R E L E A S E S   N O W!

Proud to be part of something great

As we head into our 3rd year here at the chateau, I am so grateful for and proud of what we have going on a daily basis at Whetstone. You've likely had the opportunity to meet at least one of the wonderful women who work with us and take care of you whether in the tasting salon, from your inbox, or on the phone. 

It’s been said ‘it takes a village,’ but I disagree. It takes a few thoughtful, creative, and smart people who are passionate about their work and life and proud to be a part of something great. Our staff not only honors what Jamey and I have created, they make it better.

One of my favorite times of the year is the lead up to our new releases. Jamey pulls a few shiners from the winery and we all sit down as a team to taste through all the wines and write the tasting notes together. We're often asked about how the tasting notes come about and, as with all aspects of our business, the staff is part of every step. Each brings her own talents and strengths to make Whetstone who we are:

Addie started with Whetstone in the beginning of 2011 and saw us through the renovation of the chateau. Addie is my right-hand woman at the office and on business outings. She's always willing to pull up her boot straps with a smile and words of encouragement. She continues to run all things hospitality and raises the bar every day to ensure that when you stop into Whetstone it is one, if not THE, highlight of your trip. 

Addie met Lauren at one of her yoga classes in early 2014. Once you've met Lauren, you'll understand why Addie snatched her. With her whimsical style and sensibility, there was no hesitation about bringing Lauren on board. She is my go to girl when we need to get analytical. Plus, she has an intuitive spirit and contagious warmth about her that captivates guests. At the beginning of 2015 we quickly realized that we needed to add another person to the team.

Alli is all things creative and design. What a pleasure it is to have a marketing talent to work with every day. If you enjoy any of our invitations, newsletters, or product infographics (like the ones above) Alli is the one to thank. She also runs our event program and makes every guest feel right at home. Her smile and laugh are contagious. I can't even write this without a smile on my face!

Needless to say, I am proud and excited as we head into Spring. Smiles, charm, and wine await you here at the Chateau, so come visit or give us a call soon!