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Sargam Sama Cellars Washington:

(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the Producer’s website)

Varietal Composition: 52% Syrah, 24% Grenache, 24% Mourvèdre

Location: Columbia Valley

Cellar Aging: Drink now or cellar through 2025

A Few More Details: 

Silver – 2025 Seattle Wine Awards

SARGAM Series

The name “Sargam” is derived from the Sanskrit words “Sa,” “Re,” “Ga,” “Ma,” “Pa,” “Dha,” and “Ni”. They represent the seven basic notes that form the foundation of melodies and compositions in Indian classical music. In a broader sense, “Sargam” symbolizes harmony, and balance. Similar to a musical composition, “Sargam” is created as a singular wine of harmony and balance. By blending

together multiple grape varietals we create a unique and distinctive wine that best showcases the given vintage.

Tasting Notes 

An elegant GSM blend, the 2023 SARGAM opens with a lifted nose of pomegranate and red currant layered with violets, cotton

candy, and a subtle thread of smoke. On the palate, ripe blackberry, dark cherry, and dark plum are accented by notes of dates

and a whisper of vanilla. Spiced undertones of black pepper and ginger weave through the mid-palate, balanced by refreshing

hints of eucalyptus and mint that add lift and complexity. The finish is long and textured, with a lingering interplay of fruit, spice, and savor.

Food Pairing

• Roasted + Grilled
  • Grilled lamb chops with rosemary & garlic (classic GSM pairing)
  • Herb-crusted pork tenderloin
  • Roast chicken with thyme + fennel
  • Smoked or grilled sausages (especially herb or mild spice)
  • BBQ pork ribs (dry rub > sweet sauce)
• Red Meats
  • Beef tenderloin with peppercorn sauce
  • Skirt steak with chimichurri
  • Burgers with caramelized onions or smoked cheddar
• Poultry & Richer Dishes
  • Duck breast with berry compote
  • Turkey with herb butter
  • Chicken thighs braised with tomatoes + olives (Mediterranean style)
• Pasta & Hearty Vegetarian
  • Tomato-based & Mediterranean
  • Pasta with sausage ragù
  • Lasagna (classic or mushroom)
  • Eggplant Parmesan
  • Ratatouille
• Earthy & Herb-Driven
  • Mushroom risotto
  • Lentil stew with herbs and smoked paprika
  • Roasted vegetables (zucchini, peppers, mushrooms)
  • Stuffed peppers with rice + herbs
• Casual Pairings
  • This style of wine is incredibly flexible with comfort foods:
  • Charcuterie (salami, prosciutto, chorizo)
  • BBQ brisket
  • Pizza with pepperoni, mushrooms, sausage, or roasted peppers
  • Pulled pork sandwiches (again, not too sweet on the sauce)

From them to you:

SAMĀ CELLARS, a family-owned Washington state boutique winery, is the vision of an Indian immigrant, Chaitanya Bangur (Chaz), who brings a unique perspective to the local wine scene. We pride ourselves on producing small batch wines, crafted meticulously from grapes sourced from some of the most iconic, family-run, and sustainably farmed vineyards in the region. Our winemaker’s dedication to quality, tradition, and sustainability is reflected in every bottle, ensuring that each wine truly embodies the essence of the terroir.

We primarily focus on Rhône varietals, a choice that highlights the versatility and potential of these varietals set against the unique and diverse terroir of Washington’s vineyards. These varietals, known for their rich and complex profiles, are expertly nurtured to produce wines that are both expressive and reflective of their origin, balanced, and food friendly. This focus not only allows us to honor the heritage of the Rhône region but also showcase the diversity and adaptability of Washington’s wine country, making Samā Cellars a standout newcomer in the state’s vibrant wine industry.

We are also deeply committed to introducing the vibrant local Indian community to the rich wine culture of Washington State. Through our events, tastings, and gatherings, we hope to celebrate our unique heritage and promote the diverse and inclusive spirit of Washington’s wine industry. Through Samā Cellars, we look to build a community that bridges cultural gaps and create a space where wine can be a shared experience, enriching social and cultural interactions.

Hightower Cabernet Sauvignon Red Mountain Red Mountain:

(Carefully curated notes below are taken from the Producer’s website)

Varietal Composition:

Location: Red Mountain AVA

Cellar Aging: Drink now or cellar through 2030

A Few More Details: 

As our signature wine, our Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic Red Mountain wine – bold and full of the flavors that make this region so special.

Out of Line Estate Vineyard 57%

In 2005 we finished planting 10 acres of vineyard: 6 acres planted with 5 clones of Cabernet Sauvignon, 2½ acres planted with 4 clones of Merlot, and ½ acres of Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot – with all of the plant material certified to be free of diseases and pests. Our vineyard rows are canted eleven degrees off of north-south. This orientation more evenly balances the sun exposure on each side of the vine row, increasing the exposure on the east and decreasing it on the west.

E&E Shaw Vineyard 43%

The grapes from E&E Shaw Vineyard contain floral and feminine characteristics. This vineyard lends intense color, concentrated dark fruit and tannin structure to Hightower wines. Most of Red Mountain is covered by Worden Silt Loam. This soil type retains very little moisture and contains little organic material, both causing the grapes to struggle tremendously. This struggle, channels the vine’s energy where it needs to be – in the berries. Red Mountain is one of the warmest sites in Washington and receives an average of 6 inches rainfall per year.

Tasting Notes 

“Aromas of tart blueberry and lush red cherry dominate the nose, while firm tannins and full body lend structure … The palate features notes of dark fruit, fresh-cut wood, and dried tobacco.”

Food Pairing

• Steak & Beef
  • Red Mountain Cab loves red meat.
  • Ribeye (grilled or cast-iron)
  • New York strip with garlic herb butter
  • Filet mignon with a peppercorn sauce
  • Beef short ribs, braised in red wine
  • Beef brisket, smoked or slow-cooked
  • Prime rib with horseradish
• Lamb (one of the BEST matches)
  • Herb-crusted rack of lamb
  • Grilled lamb chops
  • Lamb shanks braised with rosemary & red wine
• Big, Hearty Dishes
  • Braised beef stew
  • Bolognese
  • Beef bourguignon
  • Chili with smoked paprika
  • Venison or bison burgers (amazing pairing)
• Vegetarian Pairings
  • Cabernet can pair beautifully with rich, umami-heavy vegetarian dishes:
  • Mushroom risotto
  • Portobello steaks
  • Lentil + mushroom shepherd’s pie
  • Eggplant Parmesan

From them to you:

Tim and Kelly Hightower founded Hightower Cellars in 1997 in Woodinville, Washington with a simple philosophy: “Get the best grapes and don’t screw them up.” With their grape supply primarily coming from Red Mountain, the husband and wife co-winemaking team set out to make high quality wine, beginning with their first vintage: 221 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Today Tim and Kelly aim to make wine that lets the powerful, concentrated fruit from Red Mountain speak for itself, producing wine with great character, that’s naturally beautiful and free from pretense. The result is a collection of well-balanced, nuanced wines that reveal something new and interesting each time you open a bottle. We like to think they’re wines with character through and through – in how they were made, how they taste, and in the connections they inspire.