One of the outstanding value producers in Washington, Soos Creek is a winery you may have never heard of but one you should definitely get to know. Soos Creek was founded in 1989 by David and Cecile Larsen. David Larsen has crafted wines for more than 30 vintages now. Originally starting to make wine in the Boeing Wine Club (and even blackberry wine), David caught the wine bug thanks to inspiring trips to Europe and Napa Valley. Initially modeling his winery after Quilceda Creek, producing only one Cabernet wine, he has since expanded to making an excellent Merlot and red blends. Sourcing from some of the best vineyards in the state including Ciel du Cheval and Klipsun in Red Mountain, David makes roughly 2,000 cases each year focusing on high quality red wines.
The pricing is downright eye-catching as some of these wines are priced under $30.00. I love the 2017 Soos Creek ‘Soleil’ Red Wine (WWB, 90) and at $20.00, this is a silky blend of mostly Merlot. A sensational value is the 2017 Soos Creek ‘Artist Series’ Red Wine (WWB, 92) which is rich and layered, showing nice herbal tones that impress. Learn more about this great boutique winery at http://www.sooscreekwine.com Here are the excellent new wines by Soos Creek.
2017 Soos Creek ‘Soleil’ Red Wine- An outstanding value, the ‘Soliel’ is a great blend of 50% Merlot with 32% Cabernet Franc and the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon. The Merlot is soft and beautifully balanced with layers of dark fruits that collide with chocolate covered espresso bean and earthy undertones. For a mere twenty dollars this over-delivers. Drink 2020-2027- 90
2017 Soon Creek ‘Sundance’ Red Wine- The 2017 ‘Sundance’ is a right bank style wine with near equal parts Cabernet Franc and Merlot, with roughly 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Really elegant with a soft mouthfeel, layers of cocoa powder and red bell pepper mingle with minerals and the core of dark fruits on the palate. Layered, with good length, this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next decade. Drink 2020-2030- 91
2017 Soos Creek ‘Terrible Beauty’ Red Wine- The ‘Terrible Beauty’ blends Elephant Mountain, Klipsun and Weinbau vineyards in this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon wine. The herbal tones aromatically really work well with the blackberry compote, mocha and tar tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is refined with light tannins that line the core of coffee ground, sagebrush and black fruits. Fantastic in its youth, the 2017 ‘Terrible Beauty’ will provide drinking enjoyment for a decade or more to come. Drink 2020-2032- 92
2017 Soos Creek ‘Artist Series #17’ Red Wine- The 2017 Soos Creek ‘Artist Series #17’ Red Wine is a really great wine for the price. A blend of 65% Cabernet Franc and the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2017 ‘Artist Series #17’ shows wonderful red bell pepper tones that meld with chocolate, sagebrush and creosote on the palate. Medium to full-bodied, with great acidity and light tannins, this beautiful wine will cellar well for at least another decade. Drink 2020-2032- 92
2017 Soos Creek ‘Ciel du Cheval Vineyard’ Red Wine- The 2017 ‘Ciel du Cheval Vineyard’ Red Wine is a blend of almost entirely old vine Cabernet Sauvignon with just a touch of Merlot. The palate is wonderfully balanced creating a seamless effect. With juicy acidity, the wine unveils layers of dark currants, boysenberry compote and espresso bean with herbal undertones playing second chair. This is delicious wine to savor in its youth, as the 2017 ‘Ciel du Cheval Vineyard’ Red Wine will enjoy a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2033- 92