2024 Spring Release
In dedication of Ace Whetstone...
Spring was his favorite time of year - longer daylight hours and time on the patio warming himself in the sun, vineyard visits during budbreak, and sunset walks with mom and dad.
Dear Friends,
It is with the greatest sadness we write this message to all of you who have loved Ace as much as we have - He passed away on the morning of NYE.
I accidentally found Ace online and knew on a deeper level that he was "the one". As a new puppy was not in the plans or a part of the family discussion, I had to think quickly - I asked Jamey if he wanted to go for a surf in Santa Cruz, and I dropped the news on the drive down. On December 22nd, 2013 Ace came into our lives and changed us as a family forever.
When we opened the Chateau in 2013, Ace quickly began building lovely relationships with all who stepped through the Whetstone door. The hours and hours of cuddles, ear (and rear) scratches, and of course, belly rubs, are too many to count. Ace will be greatly missed by many, but by none more so than his mom; He was my soul mate (sorry Jamey), my protector, my therapist, and my favorite family member (sorry kids). Ace was an old soul... no greater companion and no better friend.
- Michelle
"Ace the GOOOOOOOOD BOYYYYYY!!!" That's what I greeted him with every single time I saw him. He was all that and then some. His energy was silly, needy, playful, loving, hungry, jealous, protective, and sympathetic. He loved greeting each of you at the parking lot (usually with one of his babies in tow) and dining al fresco on the Tasting Room patio with all our guests. Like me, he loved to sneeze, trap gophers, and go for long walks in the vineyard. The cows behind our vineyard HATED Ace; he never knew how lucky he was to have a fence as a buffer. Dogs can be a wonderful salve for all that ails us, and Ace was that in spades for Michelle. As much as I like to think he worshipped his supreme leader (me), he loved Michelle more than life itself.
- Jamey
Spring Release:
A message from Jamey -
Holy cow Harvest 2023 was long and drawn out, with lots of nervous days worrying over fruit getting ripe. The summer was one of the coolest I’ve been a part of since 1998. There were three days where I was thinning fruit myself and remembering how blue collar my chosen profession truly is. Year of the farmer for sure and I couldn’t be more stoked with what we brought into the barn.
For those of you who enjoy the more hedonistic side of my grape growing and winemaking, you’ll be tickled with the ’22s. The 'Catie's Corner' Viognier is loaded with pleasure and for sure should be a shared experience with those you love! The 'Pleasant Hill' Pinot Noir is bang-on Russian River at its finest and will reward cellaring.
Winemaker’s Vineyard Notes: Redding gravelly clay loam soils. 40 degree temperature swings help balance fruit with acidity. 100% Grenache. Wet winter, mild spring and unusually mild summer. Harvested 3.1 tons.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Stainless steel fermented and aged. Lighter shade of watermelon in color. Ripe nose of ruby red grapefruit, guava, watermelon Jolly Rancher, and citrus peel. Background aromas of tropical fruits. Ripe, focused flavors of green apple, wild strawberry and honeydew melon. Finishes long and bright with hints of ruby red grapefruit.
2022 'Catie's Corner' Viognier
Winemaker’s Vineyard Notes: Sustainably farmed, cool climate site, river cobbles and Goldridge loam soils. Dry winter, mild spring / summer with a bit of rain in June and handful of days in the low 100s. Harvested 3.7 tons.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Barrel fermented in neutral French oak and aged for 16 months sur lees. Golden straw in color. Gorgeously ripe nose of toasted coconut, crème brulee, and apricot. Background aromas of Meyer lemon, banana Runts and licorice. Tangy flavors of dried apricot, mandarin orange, and liquid minerals. Finishes long and lush with hints peach and key lime pie.
2022 'Pleasant Hill' Pinot Noir
Winemaker’s Vineyard Notes: Sustainably farmed, cool climate vineyard site, Goldridge loam soils. Dry winter, mild spring and summer with handful of days in the low 100s. Very low yields, 667 clone. Harvested 1.7 tons.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Stainless steel fermented, aged for 16 months sur lees in 100% French oak; 25% new oak. Darker shade of garnet in color. Big, expressive nose of blood orange, Bing cherry cola, and orange pekoe tea. Secondary aromas of Chinese 5 spice and plum. Elegant, ripe flavors of plum and elderberry pie. Finishes long with reserved tannins, hints of orange peel and baker’s chocolate.