Yountville and the Napa Valley are OPEN FOR Business. Although, the COVID-19 has created challenges for our beautiful wine country, the wineries and tasting rooms have pivoted and are now offering experiences outside. It is hard to complain when you are sitting under the California sun drinking world class wines. It has been particularly warm the last few days so my friends and I decided to treat ourselves to the new outdoor experience at JCB Tasting Lounge in Yountville.
JCB is part of the Boisset Collection owned by Jean-Charles Boisset. An eccentric figure in the wine world; Jean-Charles is famous for his impressive wines from France and California, his love of leopard print and an impressive shoe collection. JCB Yountville is located in the heart of beautiful Yountville. During COVID-19 the tasting salon has created an outdoor space that makes you feel as if you have been transported into a world of red carpets, leopard print and luxury. Featuring tents and misters it is also a great spot to stop on a hot day!
Arriving right on time for our reservation (make sure you make a reservation anywhere you visit in Napa Valley) we were seated at a table with fun feather chairs that was properly socially distanced from other guests. Because it was so warm we opted to do a strictly bubbly and rosé tasting! JCB makes a wide range of bubbles so, if you are a fan of sparkling wine it is a must stop.
Many of JCB wines are named with numbers. Each number has a meaning and special story behind it relating to Jean-Charles’ life. We started out with the No. 9. The No. 9 is a brut (dry) sparkling wine that has nice aromas of apple and melon with hints of peach on the pallet. It was the perfect way to start off our tasting. The No. 9 was created in celebration of Jean-Charles marriage to Gina Gallo in 2009 and is meant to represent the shared passion they have for wine.
Next up was the Gala Champagne. One of the fun things about tasting at JCB is that you can taste wines not just from Napa and California but also from France! Gala is a true champagne, a rare treat in Napa Valley. The 2010 Gala Champagne is a beautiful gold color and offers a “offers a well-structured palate with hints of gingerbread, almond and brioche notes, resulting in a delicious and harmonious finish.”
I don’t know about you but I love rosé. It can be still or sparkling, it can be hot or cold out and I am happiest drinking rosé. Lucky for me, JCB offers a delicious still and sparkling rosé. First we tried the No. 5. This still rosé is the perfect wine for a California heat wave. It is light, crisp and the perfect light pink color. No. 5 was created for Jean-Charles Boissets’ sister and celebrates her favorite region of France, Provenance.
For our last wine of the day we went back to sparkling. We got to try the No. 13 brut rosé. The number 13 is Gina Gallo’s, favorite and the wine is made as a symbol of their love. No. 13 is a lovely light pink color with tiny bubbles. It is “well-balanced to the taste with lightly-toasted notes and a rich, well-rounded finish, its fine vivacity will lead to ageing potential.”
2020 has been a challenging year for everyone. Sitting outside sipping delicious wines at JCB Tasting Lounge in Yountville was a great escape.
Yountville businesses are taking COVID-19 very seriously and have many new procedures in place to make sure you are safe. Make sure you make a reservation, wear a mask until seated, and stay six feet apart while in public.