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Stephanie  Putnam

Winemaker, JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset

Stephanie Putnam is the director of winemaking at Raymond Vineyards, where she oversees all aspects of winemaking for this iconic Napa Valley winery. Before joining the Boisset Collection team, Stephanie spent eight years as winemaker at Far Niente Winery, where she contemporized their house style. Prior to that, she was part of the team at The Hess Collection Winery, where she began as a cellar worker and rapidly progressed to winemaker. Throughout her 15+ years of experience as a winemaker, over 30 of her wines have received 90+ scores from Robert Parker.

Country born: USA

Education: BS Fermentation Science, UC Davis

Years in the wine industry: 15-20 years

Honors / Awards:
Wine Spectator's Top 100 List; Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 List; The Wine News Cabernet of the Year

Winemaking Philosophy:
To craft big, bold, balanced wines that best reflect the distinct terroirs of Napa Valley.

Jean-Charles Boisset

Winemaker, JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset

Jean-Charles Boisset's journey began in the village of Vougeot, nestled in the heart of Burgundy, France. His lifelong dedication to wine was ignited during his childhood, as he grew up immersed in the storied cellars and amidst the centuries-old vineyards of Château du Clos de Vougeot, the very birthplace of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

In 2003, Jean-Charles embarked on a mission to marry the essence of his Burgundian heritage with the pioneering spirit of California and welcomed DeLoach Vineyards in Sonoma's Russian River Valley, into the family collection. Here, he initiated a commitment to organic and Biodynamic farming, elevating terroir-driven winemaking to new heights.
In 2009 Jean-Charles’ quest for California wineries with a sense of history, heritage, and a pioneering spirit led him to Raymond Vineyards, where five generations of family winemaking anchors it to the earliest days of Napa Valley. This iconic estate now flourishes under his vision, earning prestigious accolades including "Winery of the Year" from Wine Enthusiast magazine.

By 2011, Jean-Charles turned his dream of preserving California's wine heritage into reality when Buena Vista Winery, the state's first premium winery established in 1857, was added to the esteemed Boisset Collection.

Expanding his horizons, Jean-Charles introduced the world to the JCB Collection, his namesake brand consisting of story-telling wines, unique jewelry, expertly crafted perfumes, enchanting home accessories, and the JCB Passion Collection by Baccarat. The innovative lifestyle brand now holds JCB St. Helena (2011), JCB San Francisco at The Ritz-Carlton (2015), and JCB Yountville (2016) and even extended beyond wine in 2018 with an opulent line of luxury vodkas and gin distilled from Burgundy wine crafted from the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes in addition to noble Cognac and French Whisky.
In 2019, Boisset Collection acquired Oakville Grocery, an institution steeped in nearly 140 years of history. This charming establishment boasts its flagship location in Oakville, Napa Valley, and a second store in Healdsburg, gracing the historic Healdsburg Plaza.
Driven by his insatiable passion for historically rich winemaking, Jean-Charles welcomed Elizabeth Spencer into the Boisset Collection in 2021. Nestled in the heart of Rutherford in the original post office constructed in 1872, lies a quaint secret garden offering an array of unique varietals.

In 2023, the opportunity arose for Jean-Charles to restore the historical landmark of Calistoga Depot from 1868, and perpetuated a dream that has spanned more than 170 years of vision and innovation from its original proprietor, Sam Brannon. With this rekindled dream came our refined collection of Brandy, Gin, Rye, Bourbon, and Single Malt Whisky finished in fine French oak casks that once housed premium Napa Valley and Sonoma County wines from Buena Vista Winery. Further fueling the Boisset Collection’s innovative portfolio came Casa Obsidiana, which represents one vision from two families, the Beckmann Gonzalezes and the Boissets, who are called to their legacy of expertise in the craft of tequila and terrior with methods that reflect the time, expertise, and artistry.

Jean-Charles Boisset is more than a vintner; he is a visionary who carries forward a remarkable family tradition, a collection of wineries, both in France and California, that embody over 20 centuries of combined winemaking heritage and terroir. He weaves together family, passion, history, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, creating a legacy that is nothing short of extraordinary. Within the world of the Boisset Collection under the watchful eye of Jean-Charles Boisset, every sip, every experience, is a journey through the finest life has to offer.

Country born: France

Years in the wine industry: 30+ years

Philippe  Melka

Winemaker, JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset

Philippe Melka is a French-American winemaker. He operates his own wine label, Melka, and has consulted for numerous other Napa Valley wineries.

Country born: France

Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years