HEALDLSBURG, CA—The passion that resides within visionary winery proprietor Jean-Charles Boisset (aka JCB) is infectious. Over the years, I’ve watched this playful showman, whose energy seems boundless, grow his wine country empire. At last, I have extracted his secret for success. It is clear that he derives great pleasure, and is in fact recharged, from delighting his guests with exceptional wines while saturating visitors with the sensual trappings of luxury and sophistication. His goal is to fully activate multiple senses by taking wine tasting into another dimension. Environment and attitude are as much a part of the wine tasting experience as the grape. The Boisset Collection of historic and unique wineries is committed to this philosophy through stunning interior design and the use of richly textured fabrics, grand furnishings, and stately accoutrements. The newly expanded JCB Tasting Salon in Healdsburg, California, is a smart and compact version of this doctrine. It invites visitors into another world – the enticing world of JCB.

On my recent visit to the salon I was welcomed with a glass of 2008 Tete de Cuvee GALA label Brut Champagne ($95/bottle). This was quite a delicious way to begin my visit. I was curious to see how the original salon, situated across from the park on Healdsburg’s charming plaza, had been expanded to include a second room. I had heard that the space was redesigned to capture the JCB flair in a luxurious lounge.

As I entered the room I was struck by the vivid décor and saw that the table was already set for my seated tasting. The blue velveteen chairs were timeless and comfortable. I was told that the menu offered a choice three tastings: all sparking wines; an intro to their portfolio; and a top tier tasting with food pairing that was predetermined for my small group.

Here’s my report:

2014 The Surrealist by JCB Red Blend; Napa Valley (75% Cabernet, 25% Petit Verdot) ($350/bottle)
Paired with Coppa Stagionato
Thick, rich; most certainly age-worthy and a good choice for special occasions.

A visit to the JCB Tasting Salon – Healdsburg will emphasize education and seduce you into the romantic culture of wine. I wholeheartedly recommend that you stop by to taste these fine wines and dive into the refined atmosphere that JCB continues to cultivate so well. —TS