2024 Fall Release
Dear Friends,
The saying goes - You can live without new shoes and garments; can thrive without computers, and move without vehicles; however, you cannot live without food.
Good grief we have enjoyed a really hot summer! Our garden has benefited handsomely with lots of tomatoes, padron & lipstick peppers, squash, zucchini and carrots. We have a blackberry thicket that separates our vineyard and home from the cows, horses and donkeys next door. It is now over a football field long, probably 15 feet high and 6 feet deep. Our California Brown Turkey fig tree is close at hand and promises a ridiculous bounty.
As this is our Fall Release, you’ll see the 2022 Walala Vineyard Pinot Noir coupled with the remainder of the 2021 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that we bottled this past February; This is significant due to it enjoying 6 more months in barrel and another 8 months of bottle aging prior to reaching your cellar door. “Why, Jamey would you do this?” Historically, I haven’t made much Cab and was curious. You’ll love the results as I feel the Cabernet Franc really comes through now. The flavor profile hasn’t changed much but there will be some nuance you’ll want to savor as you age it and sip along.
Speaking of nuance, we have added our Sunday Jam Sessions to the summer and fall lineup to rollicking success! Our first one in June turned up almost a hundred folks sipping wine, enjoying picnic lunches and soaking up the sounds of People of Earth band. The last one you’ll be able to get to is on 8/25, so don't miss it!
Fall is one of the finest seasons for me in Napa as we pay homage to rest, fires in the fireplace, homemade stews with root veggies, blue jeans with a sweater. Whetstone is a special state of mind for those of you who make the journey in the cooler months. Harvest has the Valley buzzing with early mornings and early bedtimes, as farmers rest their bones from long days in the vineyard and cellar. We also raise a glass to our departed but ever-present Ace on 9/8 tabbed Ace’s Lawn Pawty. Finally, we look forward to seeing many of you at our Annual Harvest Party on 9/22.
That’s all I’ve got for now. On behalf of myself, Michelle, Jenna, Danyel and Alli, a most sincere thank you for all your support through the years. Grateful.
- Jamey Whetstone