J’s Bubble Room Hosts Valentine’s Weekend of Wine, Food & Chocolate

J’s Bubble Room Hosts Valentine’s Weekend of Wine, Food & Chocolate

February 11, 12 and 13, 2011 
February 18, 19 and 20, 2011

In celebration of Valentine’s Day, J Vineyards & Winery’s famed Bubble Room will feature a special food and wine pairing. The menu will center on J’s limited production Russian River Valley single-vineyard estate varietal wines, as well as the winery’s vintage sparkling wines.

Executive Chef Mark E. Caldwell has created a savory chocolate themed menu that is sure to awaken the senses. Cocoa Nib Tea Braised Beef, Yukon Gold Potato and Horseradish Gratin with Root Vegetables, and a Cocoa Crusted Lamb Loin and Seasonal Vegetables with a Cocoa-infused Pinot Noir Reduction sauce will be featured.

Seating times are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m., Noon, 2 p.m., and 3 p.m, Reservations are recommended.

On Saturday, February 12, a specialist from San Francisco’s TCHO Chocolate Company will be on hand to showcase their limited edition chocolates during a discussion on the intensely flavorful and sensual aspects of this popular food. There are only two seatings available on Saturday, February 12th: 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Reservations required for the TCHO Bubble Room seminar.

Reservations are recommended, and required for the February 12th seminar. The cost is $65 per person and $50 for J Wine Club members.

For reservations or more information, please call (707) 431-5430 or (707) 431-3646.

J Vineyards & Winery, located on Old Redwood Highway south of Healdsburg, focuses on Brut and Brut Rosé sparkling wines, as well as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris varietal wines, produced from grapes farmed primarily within Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley appellation.

Founded by Judy Jordan in 1986, J Vineyards & Winery is an independently owned Sonoma County winery. J celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year. To learn more, or to join the J Wine Club, go to www.jwine.com.

Greg O’Flynn, Owner & Sommelier of California Wine Merchant reveals J Cuvee 20 Brut NV as a Holiday Pick!

Sommelier Favorites

The area’s biggest names in wine reveal their holiday picks

BY SOMER FLAHERTY

You probably wouldn’t blink at the thought of hiring an architect to create the home of your dreams or listening to your personal trainer for the best tips to get in shape, but when it comes to buying wine the recommendations of sommeliers seem to start and end inside the restaurant walls.

Drinking a nice bottle at home is just as important as finding just the right vineyard’s vintage on a fine dining list, which is why we’ve asked a few of the area’s most well-respected sommeliers and wine directors, with roots in Marin, to tell us their top picks for wines for every budget.

Greg O’Flynn

Owner, California Wine Merchant

Kentfield’s Greg O’Flynn has owned the lively California Wine Merchant in San Francisco for over two decades. The wine bar and shop has a large by-the-glass list that changes weekly and walls filled with cult wines from producers like Maya, Harlan and Dalla Valle as well as a large selection of bottles with prices that won’t wipe out your kid’s college fund.

Sparkling: J Vineyards Cuvée 20 Brut This J nonvintage brut gracefully opens up with crisp lemon peel, honeysuckle and delicate yeast aromas. Upon entry, these notes follow through to a mix of Fuji apple and grapefruit interlaced with toast, caramel and almond flavors on the palate.

Wine Spectator 88 & 89 Points: J Cuvee 20 Brut NV & J Brut Rose NV, Russian River Valley!

"Here’s a really enjoyable, balanced wine" - KCBS Food and Wine Editor Narsai David for J Vineyards 2008 RRV Chardonnay!

Narsai David Wine Review: J Vineyards

KCBS Food and Wine Editor Narsai David reviewed wines from Sonoma

2008 J Vineyards Chardonnay, Russian River Valley

The 2008 J Vineyards Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley is delicious even before you taste it.

“The aromas have such a perfect balance between the fruit and oak. The oak is just the subtlest touch. On the palate, that finesse continues. Mouth watering balance of citrus and lots of fruit with just the right amount of acid. Here’s a really enjoyable, balanced wine.”

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Narsai David is the KCBS Food and Wine Editor. He has been a successful restaurateur, chef, TV host, and columnist in the Bay Area spanning four decades.