JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset Reviews

This is made from 80% Pinot Noir, the remainder Chardonnay, both coming from both the Napa and Sonoma sides of the appellation. Inviting in wild strawberry, it is dry and stony and exuberant in earthy mineral aspects of crushed rock and dried herb.

This broad-shouldered, full-bodied wine shocks and awes with its clove and black pepper notes that are as savory as a fine steak, with which it would pair brilliantly. Oak and tannin form a shield of power that girds the black fruit for further battle.

Notably smoky and toasty, with a strong yet integrated oak presence joining a chorus of blackberry, black licorice, dried herb and cedar flavors, ending with a chewy lead pencil edge. Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.

Aromas of plum and orange. Tea leaf. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a hints of smoke. Drink now or hold.

A solid pinot with dried berry and walnut character. Hints of cedar. Full and juicy. Tannic. Muscular. Needs two or three years to soften.

The 2014 Chardonnay No. 33 has pineapple, green mango and yuzu zest notes with suggestions of toasted almonds, croissant and orange blossoms. Medium-bodied with great finesse and a gorgeous satiny texture, it delivers fantastic flavor intensity with plenty of freshness and minerally persistence.

Exuberantly fruity and firm in its youth with notes of cherry cola, mushroom & sausage pizza, cedar, toast and vanilla. 

The 2014 Chardonnay No. 81 is scented of ripe apples and peaches with hints of cedar, baking bread, marzipan and ginger. Medium to full-bodied and silken textured, it offers a great concentration of clean, ripe stone fruit flavors with some savory characters coming thorough on the long finish.

An addition to the worldwide JCB brand, produced by the Boisset family of Burgundy, this feels rich and sumptuous, full of ripe red fruits and juicy plums. It is also balanced and well structured. Drink this wine with food. —R.V.