Jean-Charles Boisset Cuts Up At His Wine Release Party

Photo Credit: Kelly E. Carter

Jean-Charles Boisset, the always entertaining and gregarious proprietor of Raymond Vineyards, was at his best during a party to celebrate the release of his 2012 Generations Cabernet Sauvignon on May 16 at his St. Helena property. The vineyards’ most anticipated event of the year drew about 400 guests, who walked a red carpet upon arrival and came as much to see Boisset and enjoy unique “Cirque du Raymond” style entertainment as they did taste the wine.

It wasn’t just the 2012 Generations Cabernet Sauvignon, available in decadent The Crystal Cellar, that was poured freely. There was 2013 Generations Chardonnay in the Main Salon, 1.5 liter magnums of 2007 Generations Cabernet Sauvignon in the luxurious velvet-lined Red Room for Raymond Vineyards Wine Club members only, 2013 Estate Chardonnay and 2012 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon in The Grove, 1992 Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon in the Generations Cellar and barrel samples of the 2013 Generations Cabernet Sauvignon in The Barrel Cellar.

However, the wine that received the greatest applause was the JCB sparkling rosé from Burgundy that Boisset poured in his guests’ glasses after he sabered bottle after bottle after bottle, littering the pool with the empty vessels. Not only did the Frenchman open the bottles in dramatic fashion befitting his reputation but he taught oenophiles how to saber a bottle as well. Some got it on their first try while others took a little longer.

It was all in a day’s fun that included donning accessories such as boas, hats and wild glasses to pose for photos and watching female jugglers and dancers do their thing in The Crystal Cellar as well as the garden, where guests ate lunch.

In addition to Boisset, winemaker Stephanie Putnam and Director of Winegrowing Eric Pooler were on hand for the celebration, along with Boisett’s wife Gina Gallo and their darling four-year-old twin daughters.

Photo Credit: Kelly E. Carter

In separate Raymond Vineyards news, the vineyard, in association with the Napa Valley Film Festival (NVFF), has launched an exclusive campaign inviting wine and film lovers to enter for a chance to win the ultimate Napa Valley Film Festival Experience. The Raymond On the Red Carpet Sweepstakes is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity where film enthusiasts will have a chance to walk the red carpet at the NVFF this coming November 11-15 and feel like a true Hollywood insider, with exclusive access to films, filmmakers, celebrities and famous Napa Valley winemakers and chefs.

One Grand Prize Winner will receive a four-night stay and round-trip flight for them and a guest to travel to Napa Valley. They will also win: Napa Valley Film Festival Patron Passes (considered the ultimate VIP experience, the Patron Circle ensures the winner will never have to wait in line for film screenings), the chance to meet celebrities and filmmakers at many of the exclusive parties and intimate events taking place during the festival, and access to the best food and wine at the swankiest late night lounges, including a Vintner Circle Dinner and more. Each winner will also receive passes for the Raymond Vineyards Celebrity Tribute Night After Party and also will get to attend a private dinner at Raymond Vineyards.  There’s also a Runner-Up prize. For more information, visit www.raymondvineyards.com/cms/redcarpet.