Chardonnay
⏳ Drinking Window
2021 - 2024
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Pan-seared halibut, roasted chicken with herbs, creamy mushroom risotto
✨ Technical Specifications
JM Cellars Chardonnay is a beautiful expression of Washington State's capability with white varietals, frequently sourcing fruit from acclaimed, cooler-climate sites such as the Stillwater Creek Vineyard in the Columbia Valley. This vineyard's unique elevation and fractured volcanic soils allow the Chardonnay grapes to develop rich, concentrated flavors while retaining a vibrant, structural acidity. In the cellar, winemaker John Bigelow employs classic Burgundian techniques, including barrel fermentation and periodic battonage (lees stirring) in French oak. This careful process imparts a luxurious texture and subtle notes of toasted brioche and vanilla, beautifully framing the wine's natural stone fruit and bright citrus core.
🍾 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
Chardonnay
🍷 ABV
13.5-14.5%