Wine Peeps is an independent wine blog dedicated to helping you get the most bang for your buck in wine. We do this through blind tastings of wine from around the world and calculations of 
Saviah Cellars: Consistently Producing High-Quality Wines
By Kori ~ February 27th, 2012.
Saviah Cellars is a family-owned winery located south of downtown Walla Walla, Washington, near the Oregon state line in the Walla Walla Valley AVA. Owner/winemaker Richard Funk and his wife Anita, both natives of Montana, moved to Walla Walla in 1991. Rich became acquainted with a number of the area wineries while working as an Environmental Health Specialist with the Walla Walla County Health Department. Through his work at the Health Department on water quality and wastewater issues, he got a firsthand look at the vineyards in the area and developed a relationship with a number of local winemakers who helped him get his start in the industry. Saviah Cellars was founded in 2000 and currently produces about 9,500 cases per year. The name Saviah is a family name from Anita’s great-grandmother. Saviah Cellars consistently produces high-quality wines.
Recently, we had the opportunity to taste their 2008 Petit Verdot and 2010 The Jack Cabernet Sauvignon in a blind samples tasting. Both wines were excellent. Often used as a blending grape with other Bordeaux varieties, Petit Verdot is not frequently made as a single varietal wine here in Washington. If you have not had one, this would be a good one to try. The Jack is a value line in the Saviah portfolio produced with declassified fruit. This Jack Cab has a lot going on and delivers serious bang for your buck.
Rich’s wines show balance, complexity, and elegance. Not only is Rich making some great wines, but he is an extremely nice guy to boot. If you are in the Walla Walla area, Saviah Cellars is a winery that you should definitely visit. And even if you aren’t able to visit, be sure to try some Saviah wines.
2008 Saviah Cellars Petit Verdot (Walla Walla Valley, Washington): Dark, dense purple in color. Very aromatic with dark, black fruits, blackberry, and cedar on the nose. More black fruits and smoked meat comes through on the palate. Full-bodied with good acidity and medium to high, drying tannins. Well-balanced with a long, smooth finish.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 3 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $30
2010 Saviah Cellars The Jack Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley, Washington): Deep, dark purplish red. Nice nose with caramel and black cherry aromas. Caramel, blackcurrant, and spice come through on the palate. Full-bodied with lively acidity and medium to high tannins. Well-balanced with a long finish.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $18; Available elsewhere, $14 to $18
Filed under: American Wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Petit Verdot, Red Wine, Washington State Wine, Wines Over $25, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25
