Today we share the vision of a first-generation Indian immigrant, Chaitanya Bangur (Chaz). Bangur is almost always going to be the smartest person in the room. A Northwest Wine Academy grad, he has a PhD in Biochemistry and an MBA in Technology Management. Sama produces Washington Rhône varietals from some really outstanding sites including the Naravane Vineyard in the Rocks District.
These are the first wines that I have tasted by Bangur and they are seriously good across the board. I adore the 2022 Sama Cellars ‘Bhumi’ Syrah (OB, 94) which is a notch better than the other bottlings and shows beautiful flavor and aromatic range. Learn more at samacellars.com and here are my reviews of the new Sama Cellars wines.
2022 Sama Cellars ‘Raga’ Cinsault- The 2022 ‘Raga’ Cinsault was aged in neutral oak barrels for 18 months before bottling and comes from the Charlotte’s Ridge Vineyard. Translucent in the glass, this offers orange peel and guava on the nose alongside salty soils. Soft and showing a smooth texture, this is delicious wine to enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2024-2032- 92
2022 Sama Cellars ‘Bhumi’ Grenache- The 2022 ‘Bhumi’ Grenache comes from the Sagemoor Vineyard in the White Bluffs AVA. Juicy red currants and red cherry combine with pomegranate seed and suggestions of blood orange zest. Showing plenty of depth, enjoy this delicious wine now and over the next eight years to come. Drink 2024-2032- 92
2022 Sama Cellars ‘Khya’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Khya’ is mainly Grenache (55%) with small portions Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Elegant and smooth on the mouth, this shows a beautiful core of red fruits with sandalwood, anise, and tobacco leaf notes alongside bright orange zest. Drink 2024-2032- 92
2022 Sama Cellars ‘Raga’ Syrah- Coming from the Yakima Valley AVA, the 2022 ‘Raga’ saw 25% whole cluster fermentation and was stored in neutral oak for 18 months before bottling. Juicy blackberry and black currants mingle well with good freshness and salty minerals on the palate. Drink 2024-2032- 92
2022 Sama Cellars ‘Bhumi’ Syrah- The 2022 ‘Bhumi’ comes from the Naravane Estate Vineyard that is owned by Billo and Pinto Naravane, proprietors of Rasa Vineyards. This is salty and stony with hoisin sauce and oyster sauce notes alongside wild blackberry and shades of Umami on the palate. Delicious and nicely textured, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2024-2032- 94