MikeL's Guide to WA Wineries
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Production: (1999) 350 cases, (2000) 1225 cases
Vineyards: Contracts with: Red Mountain vineyards: Klipsun, Ciel du Cheval and Kiona, and Columbia Valley vineyards: Portteus, Milbrandt (Wahluke slope), Lewis and Alder Ridge
Distribution: Self
History:
JM Cellars is a small, family-owned winery located in Woodinville, Washington on the hill above Chateau Ste. Michelle. It was founded in 1998 by John and Peggy Bigelow at their Seattle home, and specializes in hand-crafted, premium wines.
The first commercial release was in September 2001 featuring their
signature wine "Tre Fanciulli". (Pronounced tray fan-chew-lee, Tre
Fanciulli means "three treasured boys" in Italian and is named in
honor of John and Peggy Bigelow's three sons).
Sources:
[the winery]
The Wines: (Spring 2002)
Whites:
- 2001 Klipsun Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc - release June 2002
With 16% Semillon. Crisp acidity, with aromas of apples, pears and hints of tropical fruits, this wine is a perfect summertime drinker and pairs wonderfully with seafood. (150 cases)
- 1999 Tre Fanciulli - released fall 2001
Their signature blend, the 1999 is comprised of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot and 9% Syrah. Features fruit from Klipsun, Ciel du Cheval, Portteus and Lewis Vineyards. Dense, rich and well-structured, the wine has lots of dark berry fruit flavors, hints of oak spice and chewy tannins, but has enough acidity to pair well with a wide array of foods. Drinking well now but will lay down for several years. - 2000 Tre Fanciulli - release August 2002
The 2000 is comprised of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot and 25% Syrah. Features fruit from Klipsun, Ciel du Cheval, Alder Ridge and Lewis Vineyards. (350 cases) - 2000 Columbia Valley Cuvee - release June 2002
A Bordeaux-style blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, featuring fruit from Ciel du Cheval, Portteus and Milbrandt. Rich and smooth, but well-structured, this is wine is approachable early, but also can be laid down. (375 cases) - 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon (Red Mountain) - release August 2000
Features fruit from Klipsun, Ciel du Cheval and Kiona Vineyards. Dark, dense and well-extracted, but with well-rounded tannins, this wine tastes great already but will evolve for years. (200 cases) - 2000 Merlot - release August 2000
Features from Klipsun and Ciel du Cheval Vineyards. Rich fruit flavors and smooth finish, but well structured too. (100 cases) - 2000 Cabernet Franc - release August 2000
100% fruit from Ciel du Cheval, this wine was privately labeled for the Willows Lodge in Woodinville, but a small amount will be available through the winery. (50 cases)
Winemakers:
John Bigelow 1998-present
Of special note:
John Bigelow, the winemaker for JM Cellars, hand selects grapes from some of Washington's most well-known vineyards. John has developed his abilities and winemaking style over the past several years working with some of Washington State's top winemakers.
The winery is located on the grounds part of the former Stimson-Lane estate, and has extensive plantings from around the world.
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