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
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
Merlot