I have pounded the drum for Soos Creek since I first tasted the wines 20 years ago. Somehow they remain under the radar for many folks, perhaps because winemaker Dave Larsen lacks the requisite big hair and flamboyant personality that sells wines these days. For those of us who want great wine at stupidly great prices, Soos Creek is a treasure. You'll find these wines here.
I did a lengthy entry on Soos Creek on Substack back in February but had not at that time tasted the most current releases. Here are updated notes.
Soos Creek 2019 Sundance Red
Always a fine value, the 2019 Sundance is two thirds Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cab Franc, sourced from Ciel du Cheval, Klipsun and Dineen vineyards. That's a helluva great trio for such an affordable wine. It's a ripe and tangy tangle of red berries, stiffened up a bit with hints of stem and seed. Aged 21 months with 10% of the barrels new, this all-purpose red is a showcase for the power of Washington's Bordeaux style wine, and especially those driven by Merlot. 145 cases; 14.1%; $25 (Columbia Valley) 92/100
Soos Creek 2019 Artist Series #19 The Last Rodeo Red
A classic Bordeaux blend (40% Cab Franc, 40% Cab Sauv and 20% Merlot) sourced from Ciel du Cheval, Klipsun and Dineen vineyards, this is a fine complementary pairing with the Sundance sourced from the same sites. With the Cabs in the foreground it's darker and has a more roasted character, not just from the fruit but also double the new oak. Black cherry and cassis, clean earth and chicory, anise and coffee grounds are in the mix. Tannins are ripe and just hint at grittiness. A stellar effort and sadly, the last of the Artist Series (hence the name). 121 cases; 14.1%; $35 (Columbia Valley) 92/100
Soos Creek 2019 Terrible Beauty Cabernet Sauvignon
Pure varietal from three killer sites – Ciel du Cheval, Elephant Mountain and Klipsun – this is a slightly high-toned, sharply-defined expression of pure Cabernet Sauvignon. The dusty aromas recall a Rutherford Cab that might sell for triple this price. Dave Larsen has access to great fruit and blends these different sources with a masterful touch. Pinpoint definition, pure and clean red and blue fruits, a finishing taste of light char and even more as it winds down – tobacco, ash, dark chocolate and coffee grounds. Nothing terrible here – pure and beautiful. 122 cases; 14.1%; $35 (Columbia Valley) 93/100
Soos Creek 2019 Le Tastevin Cabernet Sauvignon
Dave Larsen's specialty is Washington Cabernet Sauvignon, whether in blends or as a standalone varietal wine as it is here. Sourced from Ciel du Cheval, Klipsun and Ranch at the End of the Road – three iconic Red Mountain vineyards – this new cuvée was given 30% new oak. It's got depth and detail in abundance, with generous red and black fruits, cassis, coffee, baking chocolate and a dash of sea salt caramel. 120 cases; 14.1%; $35 (Red Mountain) 93/100
Soos Creek 2019 Ciel du Cheval Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon
Among all of the Soos Creek Cabs, this single vineyard expression is in some ways the most significant, as it includes old vine grapes from 1982 (original planting) and 1994 blocks, along with 20% Cabernet Franc. Aged 21 months in 40% new oak, it still seems a bit shuttered, and will respond best to decanting and further cellaring. The potential ageability of this wine is two or three decades. Sadly, this is the last vintage it will be made. 122 cases; 14.1%; $40 (Red Mountain) 94/100