For years I have admired the wines by JM Cellars, one of the most picturesque wineries in Western Washington. Founded in 1998, JM is perched on top of the hill just west of the many Woodinville tasting rooms. The parking situation there is somewhat tricky but they have valets on the weekend. The stylish and open tasting room spills into their beautiful outside area that is lush and wooded. Winemaker/owner John Bigelow has been crafting some excellent limited release red and white wines and has worked with some of the states best winemakers, such as Charlie Hoppes and Mike Januik. John makes a beautiful range of red and white wines.
For his new releases I tasted a wide range of reds which were well-structured and remarkably consistent. He makes a killer new Pinot Noir from Sonoma, his 2020 JM Cellars ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir (OB, 92) which is a wonderful success in this challenging vintage — showing very pretty red fruits and great salty terroir. I loved the new 2019 JM Cellars ‘III’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 92) which is a resounding success from this somewhat challenging vintage for Bordeaux style red wines. Learn more about this great family winery at jmcellars.com and here are my notes on the new JM Cellars wines.
2020 JM Cellars ‘Sonoma Coast’ Pinot Noir- This displays the wonderful freshness and salinity from this famed AVA, reveling in salty red fruits that combine with blood orange zest, tobacco and stony undercurrents. Medium to full-bodied, this is lithe, nicely textured Pinot Noir that will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2022-2032- 92
2020 JM Cellars ‘Ancora Imparo’ Grenache- This Shaw Ridge and Ciel du Cheval Vineyard bottling offers ripe red fruits that combine with wintergreen notes and a smooth texture. Drink now. Drink 2022-2026- 90
2019 JM Cellars Syrah- Iodine with blueberry pie, smoked brisket and white pepper all mark the nose. The ablate is fresh and beautifully textured with a polished mouthfeel. Showing good depth, this classy Syrah will drink well over the next ten years. Drink 2022-2029- 92
2019 JM Cellars ‘Faniculi’ Red Wine- Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon (62%), with smaller parts Merlot and Syrah. Dark plum and red currant tones combine with baking spices on the nose. The palate is plush and soft with a smooth mouthfeel. Drink 2022-2029- 91
2019 JM Cellars ‘III” Cabernet Sauvignon- 100% varietal, this Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon offers sagebrush with cassis, anise and tilled soils on the nose. The palate is plush and refined with soft tannins and a lengthy finish. Drink 2022-2032- 92
2019 JM Cellars ‘Margaret’s Vineyard’ Malbec- Inky dark once in the glass, this 2019 Malbec delivers rich blue fruits that combine with chocolate covered Arabica bean flavors. Deep and concentrated, with good finesse, this is already beautifully evolved wine that will cellar well or another decade. Drink 2022-2030- 92