Champoux Vineyard Merlot
⏳ Drinking Window
2019 - 2027
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Roasted duck, grilled lamb chops, rosemary-infused beef tenderloin
✨ Technical Specifications
Sourced from one of Washington State’s most legendary sites, the JM Cellars Champoux Vineyard Merlot pays homage to the world-class terroir of the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Originally planted in 1972 and later championed by the iconic grower Paul Champoux, this vineyard is revered for producing fruit of extraordinary concentration and structural integrity. The vineyard's proximity to the Columbia River provides a tempering effect against extreme temperatures, while persistent winds thicken grape skins, yielding deep color and robust tannins. JM Cellars coaxes a sophisticated expression from this fruit, balancing Merlot's natural plushness with the distinct dusty minerality and structured backbone characteristic of Champoux terroir. The resulting wine is a masterclass in Washington Merlot, marrying rich dark fruit with refined complexity.
🍾 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
Merlot