Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Syrah
⏳ Drinking Window
2019 - 2027
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Roasted rosemary lamb chops, grilled ribeye steak, wild game stew
✨ Technical Specifications
Crafted from one of Washington State's most legendary vineyard sites, the JM Cellars Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Syrah is a masterclass in the power and complexity of the Red Mountain AVA. Planted in 1975 by pioneer Jim Holmes, Ciel du Cheval is revered for its wind-swept slopes and gravelly, calcium carbonate-rich soils. Winemaker John Bigelow coaxes incredible depth from this fruit, utilizing traditional fermentation techniques and French oak aging to frame the vineyard's signature profile. The resulting wine is renowned for its deep, ink-like color, complex aromas of dark bramble fruit, savory cured meats, crushed gravel, and exotic spices, all supported by the formidable yet refined tannins characteristic of Red Mountain terroir.
🍾 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
Syrah