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
Established in 1998 by John and Peggy Bigelow, JM Cellars is a benchmark family-owned artisanal winery centered at Bramble Bump, a wooded sanctuary in Woodinville, Washington. Initially mentored by prominent Washington vintners Mike Januik and Charlie Hoppes, the Bigelows evolved from basement garagistes into leading producers of small-lot, site-expressive Pacific Northwest wines. While production operations are based in Woodinville and Maltby, estate fruit originates from Margaret's Vineyard—a certified sustainable and Salmon-Safe site perched within Walla Walla's acclaimed SeVein development. Complementing their estate plantings, JM Cellars selectively sources from venerated Columbia Valley, Yakima Valley, and Red Mountain vineyards, including Boushey, Stillwater Creek, and Quintessence. Winemaking under John and his son Tommy emphasizes precision and texture, utilizing small-batch fermentations in stainless steel, concrete eggs, and French oak barrels. Benchmark cuvées include their signature Tre Fanciulli red blend, Margaret's Vineyard Bordeaux varietals, and vineyard-designated Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay, consistently distinguished by vibrant fruit purity and structured finesse.
🍇 Grapes
Carmenere