Carmenere
⏳ Drinking Window
Typically best enjoyed 3–8 years from vintage release.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
roasted pork tenderloin, grilled lamb chops, roasted portobello mushrooms
✨ Technical Specifications
The story of Carmenere is one of wine's greatest resurrection tales. Once a key blending grape in Bordeaux, it was virtually wiped out in Europe by the phylloxera epidemic of the late 19th century, only to be rediscovered decades later masquerading as Merlot in Chile. In the Walla Walla Valley, JM Cellars has embraced this historic 'lost child' of Bordeaux, sourcing fruit from their sustainably farmed estate, Margaret's Vineyard. Here, the grape thrives in the unique terroir of fractured basalt and wind-blown loess soils. The dramatic diurnal temperature shifts of the valley allow the grape to slowly develop its complex flavor profile, balancing its signature savory, herbaceous pyrazine notes of white pepper and green tea with rich, dark plum and cocoa flavors. Crafted in limited quantities, JM Cellars' Carmenere is a testament to the winery's dedication to showcasing the diverse potential of Washington State's premier appellations.
🍾 About the Producer
Founded in 1998 by John and Peggy Bigelow, JM Cellars is an acclaimed family-owned winery nestled amidst the wooded tranquility of Bramble Bump in Woodinville, Washington, alongside their estate plantings at Margaret's Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley. Committed to sustainable, small-lot craftsmanship, the winery sources premium fruit across renowned Pacific Northwest AVAs to produce wines with balanced structure and authentic varietal character. JM Cellars is celebrated for its diverse and expressive portfolio, ranging from signature Bordeaux-style blends and single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings to vibrant Rhône varietals and small-production whites.
🍇 Grape Varieties
Carmenere