You know those Secret Menus? Well, I've got a secret to tell you.
B Cellars just upped their tasting game. I didn't know it could get better. Ultra-private, this is possibly the best food and wine tasting experience I've had in a while. And it's not because we've been cooped up. Now that wineries must seat outdoors and create enough spatial distance between parties, some Napa wineries are now able to be open later into the evening. If you want a light dinner, a wine and food journey is perfect. And the best part, you won't have the same experience twice. The food and wine pairings are ever-changing and creative. You'll get a a difference experience each time here.
The Expedition Tasting.
Upon entering the B Cellars grounds, we were stopped at a kiosk before entering the parking lot. After confirming we had masks and our temperatures taken with an infrared (no contact) thermometer through open car windows, we were waved through. (Wellness checks are conducted for all guests entering the property.) After parking, we were greeted at the Hospitality House by our masked and gloved host, along with glasses of cool Sauvignon Blanc.
A short walk through the gardens to our table and we were seated under umbrellas and a shade tree. Personalized menus and multiple glasses for each place setting. I really liked that there were individually sealed oshibori towelettes provided along with hand sanitizer. There was only one other table across the garden path (that was empty). Overlooking the vineyards and adjacent to their gardens, this really is the embodiment of being out in Wine Country.
First Course.
2019 Rosé. Chef Derick Kuntz and another team member came out to say hello and brought a Sushi Roll - fresh yellowfin tuna, avocado & carrot on a fresno chili pureé. Refreshing yet rich, a great pairing and opening to our tasting.
Second Course.
2019 Blend 23 & 2019 Jewell Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc. I loved the Blend 23. It was delicious. My husband enjoyed the Sauvignon Blanc more but I think the Blend 23 is the best parts of Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier & Chardonnay in a sip. A summer breeze in a bottle. Lovely aromatics, grapefruit, a touch of vanilla cream, to me anyways. Chef Derick and friends brought out a Crab Salad topped with citrus, avocado and frisée. Fresh local crab just before the end of the crab season! The side by side between Blend 23 and the Sauvi-B with the food was a great idea.
Between the courses, it was nice that the founders Jim Borsack and Duffy keys dropped by to say hello and chat with us for a few minutes. Yep, it made me feel special.
Third Course.
2017 Napa Valley Syrah & 2017 Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon paired with Rack of Lamb, with Swiss Chard and Huckleberry Gastrique - and Lamb Bacon! I think it's always ambitious to serve lamb and have everyone like it and Chef Derick gets a bunch of gold stars for this one. While I personally preferred the Rutherford Cab over the Syrah, I think the Syrah really paired nicely with the bacon. Each delicious sip and bite enhanced the other.
After the tasting, our host walked out our purchases to the car and gave us a box of fresh baked Lemon Lavender Shortbread Cookies to take home, completing the experience. It was better than any wine tasting that we've been too. Experiences were very private before, but this time it felt exclusive. It was more like a 3-star Michelin experience that happens with a 10 person restaurant. Yes, it was that awesome.
Yep, it made me feel special.
Three courses, 5 wines and a few bonus pours that we inquired about specifically. The experience is about 90 minutes long. Reservation only and because of the limited capacity, availability will be more scarce. You must call. You can't book this online. This is worth it, so plan ahead. Since it's only offered on Thursdays and Fridays, this evening experience is quite limited. When you go probably won't have the same pairing as me. That's what is so wonderful about B Cellar's experiences. They are always unique. I can't wait to visit again.
$185 per person. 6 people max. Wine club members get a discount. Don't miss it!
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