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 
Soos Creek Wine Cellars: Blending Specialist with Boeing Roots
By Kori ~ June 20th, 2011.
Owner/winemaker David Larsen founded Soos Creek Wine Cellars in 1989. One of a number of Washington winemakers who are “graduates†of the Boeing Wine Club, Larsen worked at Boeing for 29 years before leaving in 2004 to pursue his passion for wine full-time. Located in Kent, Washington, Soos Creek produces only red wine from Bordeaux grape varieties. Larsen believes strongly in blending wines from different grape varieties and, often, different vineyards. He works with some of the best vineyards in Washington State, and some of his wines are vineyard-designated blends. Soos Creek produces about 1,600 cases annually.
We recently had the opportunity to taste two Soos Creek wines in a blind samples tasting, the 2008 Artist Series #8 Red Wine and the 2008 Champoux Vineyard Red Wine. A Cabernet Franc-based wine, the 2008 Artist Series #8 Red Wine features label art titled “Crush Jumps†that was created by Seattle artist TS Heckler. The 2008 Champoux Vineyard Red Wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine from one of the best Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards in the state.
In 2009, Soos Creek moved into a new winery building near the Larsen’s home. The winery is only open once a year for an open house for mailing list members.
2008 Soos Creek Artist Series #8 Red Wine (Columbia Valley, Washington): 55% Cabernet Franc, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 9% Merlot. Deep, purplish red. Nice nose with gorgeous smoke, licorice, and black fruit aromas. More black fruit, smoke, licorice, and a hint of game come through on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with lively acidity and medium to high tannins. Well-balanced with good complexity and a long finish.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 4 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to Buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $30; Available elsewhere, $26 to $33
2008 Soos Creek Champoux Vineyard Red Wine (Champoux Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills, Washington): 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Merlot. Deep red in color. Aromatic with oak, spice, black fruits, and a hint of bell pepper on the nose. Black fruits, spice, and vegetal notes come through on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with lively acidity, medium tannins, and a medium to long finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 2 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to Buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $33; Available elsewhere, $27 to $36
Filed under: American Wine, Red Wine, Washington State Wine, Wines Over $25
John and Kori,
Thanks for the nice review!
David,
You are most welcome. Keep up the good work! Cheers!