We know JC as
we are members of his Raymond Vineyards located in Napa. His flamboyant
personality is reflected in this newly opened and opulent decorated tasting
lounge.
Our host today
was Kelly. Her vibrant personality and impressive wine knowledge captured
the beauty of all these great wines.
We began with a
Surrealist Brut Rose that was perfectly chilled and served from the ‘Passion
Collection’ of JCB and Baccarat designed elegant stemware.
These unique
wine glasses can also be purchased and would make a very ‘special gift’ to any
‘lover’ of fine wine.
We then had the
2016 number 3 Pinot Noir from Russian River and JC’s Burgundy grapes. This
unique blend was also served at JC’s wedding to Gina Gallo. Gina is from
another powerful wine family, Gallo Wine.
We then enjoyed
the Number 1 and 10 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley that were big,
bold beautiful bottles of carefully crafted wine.
To complete this
‘exceptional’ wine experience, we tasted the 2016 Surrealist Cabernet
Sauvignon. It was a perfect 80/20 blend of Cabernet and Petite Verdot grapes.
This wine also
received a ‘100’ point rating from renown wine critic Jeb Dunnuck and was a ‘great
ending’ to a fabulous wine experience in the ‘city by the bay’.
After our
tasting, we enjoyed a fantastic dinner at the Pallete Tea House located in the
center of Ghirardelli Square.
This modern
decorated San Francisco restaurant features a variety of dim sum specialities.
We especially
enjoyed the Honey Walnut Prawns, Fried Noodles and Chicken Wings. It is a ‘must
do’ foodie experience and we look forward to returning soon.
Reservations are
recommended and seating is available inside or outside.
For more
information and to make a reservation at the JCB tasting lounge go to:
https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/california/san-francisco/dining/the-jcb-tasting-lounge
