An Abandoned Chateau In Napa Valley Gets New Life

In Whetstone Wine Cellars’ sunny 19th-century courtyard, our host guided us through a classic tasting. The Stones, Fleetwood Mac, and other 70s music icons played in the background. It was a perfect fall day, clear and crisp, with no humidity. The company was congenial, and the wine superb. It was the kind of day that has likely caused many to ponder a move to wine country. It certainly influenced me.

 

Unlike most winemakers in Napa Valley, Jamey Whetstone, owner and winemaker at Whetstone Wine Cellars,  is not growing Bordeaux varietals. A free spirit, Jamey has made a name for himself growing Rhone varietals and Pinot Noir. Jamey arrived in Napa in 2002 planning to stay for a year and then returning to his home in South Carolina to open a restaurant. He was also working for noted winemaker Larry Turley at the time. As often happens, the wine life called to him. I’m mighty glad he stayed.

From the website: ”Whetstone Wine Cellars is a family owned and operated winery located inside a 19^th century chateau, specializing in Viognier, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Cabernet.” Good wine made by good people. You’re going to love it here!

 

The Chateau

Designed by the now legendary Hamden W. McIntyre, who also designed the CIA Greystone In St. Helena, Far Niente, Trefethen Barn, Inglenook, and  Chateau Montelena in Calistoga, the chateau had been abandoned for fifteen years.  Although the winery had been neglected, Michelle and Jamey recognized that the bones were intact and purchased the chateau in 2010.

Jamey and Michelle wanted a place where they could nurture a community in a warm and stylish environment.

The tasting room opened in 2013 after a lot of clean and permits. Michelle’s exquisite design sensibility is everywhere.  With the original stone fireplace, dark wood beams, and rustic but elegant furniture, the Whetstones achieved their vision creating the perfect setting for sharing their excellent wines.

A Classic Tasting

Michelle guided us through the tasting, which came with detailed winemaking notes. The tasting consisted of four wines.  

2023 Silvaspoons Rosé of Grenache

I love a good rosé–always reminding me of the lovely region of Provence. The grapes for this wine are from Lodi, an area I’ve written quite a lot about. Only 200 cases were produced.

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 Viognier, Catie’s Corner
The clone for this Viognier comes from Condrieu, a town in the northern Rhone Valley of France, once the only place Viognier was found. Catie’s Corner vineyards are located in the Russian River Valley and are sustainably farmed.
This is 100% Viognier. Wonderful!  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.

Only 130 cases of this wine were produced.

2022 Walala Pinot Noir – The vineyards for this wine are in northern Sonoma County, near the Gualala River. Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Stainless steel fermented, aged for 16 months sur lees in 100% French oak; 35% new oak. Dark ruby red in color. Dense nose of rhubarb pie, bing cherry & bay leaf. Secondary aromas of camphor & chamomile tea. Ripe flavors of wild strawberry & plum. Long finish of raspberry jam and brambly blackberry with hints of baker’s chocolate framed nicely with fine tannins.

135 cases produced.

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 

Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Stainless steel fermented, aged for 22 months sur lees in 100% French oak; 75% new Darnajou barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Dark purple in color. Deep, rich nose full of red currants, violet, & cassis with hints of bay leaf. Secondary aromas of rhubarb, rose petal, coffee, and tobacco. Bold, ripe flavors of red currants, cassis, blueberry, and baker’s chocolate. Long finish, framed by supple tannins, pomegranate, a wee bit of tobacco.

Buy it now as only 88 cases were produced.

To learn more about these wines, read Jamey’s notes about the vineyards and his winemaking philosophy.

How To Book A Tasting 

As of October 2024: A tasting is $65. Appointments are recommended but not mandatory. Whetstone books via Tock.  

Whetstone offers formal tastings as well as glass / bottle service. They can also host your private event.

There’s a new club tier called the California Club. Obviously meant for locals and people who visit often, it includes 4 bottles quarterly, 2 tasting credits per release, special pricing with accommodation partner Silverado Resort and Spa.

You don’t have to visit Whetstone to order their wines, but if you’re in Napa, I recommend making an appointment there. Relaxing in the hospitality at Whetstone is a real treat, an experience that exemplifies the good life.

Thanks to Downtown Napa for sponsoring a visit to Whetstone Wine Cellars

If you go:

Whetstone Wine Cellars
1075 Atlas Peak Road
Napa, California
707-254-0600
www.whetstonewinecellars.com