Champoux Vineyard Right Bank
⏳ Drinking Window
Typically best enjoyed 5–15 years from vintage release.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Roasted duck, rosemary-crusted lamb chops, earthy mushroom risotto.
✨ Technical Specifications
Crafted by JM Cellars, the 'Right Bank' red blend pays homage to the classic Merlot and Cabernet Franc-dominant wines of Bordeaux's Pomerol and Saint-Émilion appellations, but with a distinct Washington State signature. The fruit is sourced from the legendary Champoux Vineyard in the Horse Heaven Hills AVA, a site revered as hallowed ground in Washington viticultural history. Originally planted in 1972 by the Mercer family, Champoux Vineyard is famous for its wind-swept, sandy loam soils and dramatic diurnal temperature shifts, which yield grapes of extraordinary concentration, refined tannins, and vibrant acidity. JM Cellars coaxes out the lush, velvety textures of Merlot and the savory, aromatic complexity of Cabernet Franc, aging the blend in French oak barrels to create a structured, elegant wine that beautifully bridges Old World inspiration with New World power.
🍾 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, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon