Taste Washington, the nation’s largest single-region wine and food event, kicks off this week, bringing together an astonishing “235 wineries, 65 restaurants and 60 culinary exhibitors from across the region.” A celebration of the state’s revered and award-winning wine industry, here Seattle magazine wine writer Paul Zitarelli outlines 10 exceptional bottles for those considering starting a Washington wine cellar.

1. Quilceda Creek Cabernet Sauvignon. Washington’s most acclaimed wine has garnered perfect 100pt reviews from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate for three different vintages. It is difficult to find, but worth the hunt.

2. Cayuse Syrah Cailloux Vineyard. Cayuse is Washington’s most difficult-to-source cult winery. Outside of their mailing list, only a handful of restaurants and retailers receive tiny allocations. Cailloux Syrah is a wonderful introduction to their earthy house style.

3. Corliss Estates Cabernet Sauvignon. Corliss is known for extended barrel and bottle aging, common in Europe, much rarer in the United States. While many wineries will be releasing 2015 Cabernets this year, Corliss will release their 2012.

4. Leonetti Reserve. Leonetti is the flagship winery of the Walla Walla Valley, perhaps Washington’s most important region. Their Reserve, a Bordeaux blend, is their top wine, focusing on a series of their estate vineyards.