Margaret's Vineyard Cabernet Franc
⏳ Drinking Window
Typically best enjoyed 3–10 years from vintage release.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Roasted duck, grilled lamb chops, portobello mushrooms
✨ Technical Specifications
JM Cellars' Margaret's Vineyard Cabernet Franc is a compelling expression of the Walla Walla Valley's unique terroir. Named in honor of co-founder Peggy Bigelow's mother, Margaret, this estate vineyard is situated in the southern portion of the Walla Walla Valley AVA. The vineyard is planted on wind-blown loess soils over ancient fractured basalt, and is farmed under strict Salmon-Safe and sustainable certifications. This distinct microclimate, characterized by hot summer days and cool desert nights, allows Cabernet Franc to develop its signature aromatic complexity, balancing bright red fruit characteristics with savory herbal undertones and refined, structured tannins. JM Cellars meticulously crafts this wine to highlight the elegance and depth that Washington State Cabernet Franc can achieve.
🍾 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
Cabernet Franc