Bistro Jeanty

Walking into Bistro Jeanty, you expect the wine list to lean hard into Napa trophy bottles with Napa trophy markups — this is Washington Street in Yountville, after all. Instead, the list surprises you with a genuine love of fortified and dessert wines that reads more like a Paris wine bar than a Napa vanity project. The sparkling program alone has more thought behind it than most full lists in the valley.

The list runs 150–250 labels and doesn't try to be everything to everyone, which is actually its strength. The sparkling section anchors the experience with a smart mix of California bubbles and real Champagne — J. Lassalle and Champagne Mangin alongside Chandon and Domaine Carneros means you're not stuck choosing between overpriced grower Champagne and supermarket fizz. Where Bistro Jeanty really earns its stripes is the dessert and fortified wine section: Royal Tokaji 5 Puttonyos Aszú 2016, Dolce Napa Valley 2018, Fonseca Vintage Port 2003, and the Rare Wine Co. Historic Series Madeira "New York" Malmsey is a lineup that most Napa restaurants wouldn't even attempt. The main red and white list isn't the star here — it plays a supporting role — but the overall curation reflects a kitchen and front-of-house that genuinely cares about the full meal arc.

The by-the-glass program leans heavily sparkling, with at least five options ranging from $17 to $25 — that's a real commitment in a category where most restaurants offer one token Prosecco. Dessert pours are available by the glass too, including the Domaine de Durban Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise 2020 and the Royal Tokaji 5 Puttonyos Aszú 2016, which is genuinely rare to see offered by the glass anywhere. Rotation appears limited — this feels like a stable, set list rather than something that changes with the seasons.