Washington Wine of the Week – Selections for Spring, 2026

For the week of March 22, 2026: The Wines of Sama Cellars – Looking for a newer Washington winery that’s already producing award-winning, 90+ point wines? Recently opened Sama Cellars, located in Redmond, Washington would be a great place to start.

Owner/winemaker Chaz Bangur is absolutely crushing it with nearly every single release he’s crafted so far. At last year’s Pacific Northwest Wine Competition (PNWC), he earned three Double Gold and three Gold medals out of eight entries. Add to that a bevy of 93 to 95-point ratings from publications such as Wine Enthusiast and International Wine Report, and you’ve got no reason not to try his wines.

Bangur’s top three wines at the PNWC included the 2022 Signature Cabernet Sauvignon; the 2023 Sargam, comprised of 50% Syrah, 25% Grenache and 25% Mourvedre: and the 2024 Khyal Rohn Blanc, a lovely, Rhone Valley-inspired white wine blend of 70% Grenache Blanc and 30% Viognier.