Margaret's Vineyard Estate Red
⏳ Drinking Window
Typically best enjoyed 5–15 years from the vintage release.
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
grilled ribeye steak, roasted lamb chops, braised beef short ribs
✨ Technical Specifications
Margaret's Vineyard Estate Red is the crown jewel of JM Cellars' estate program, sourced from their sustainably farmed, Salmon-Safe certified vineyard in the southern hills of the Walla Walla Valley. Named in loving memory of founder John Bigelow's mother, Margaret, this vineyard is situated within the prestigious SeVein development, where vines dig deep into wind-blown loess soils over ancient basalt. The Estate Red is crafted as a classic Bordeaux-style blend, capturing the dramatic diurnal temperature shifts of the valley. This microclimate coaxes out intense fruit concentration balanced by vibrant acidity and structured, dusty tannins. Aged in select French oak barrels, the wine represents a harmonious marriage of traditional Washington power and old-world elegance, carrying a legacy of family heritage and environmental stewardship.
🍾 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.