Soos Creek Champoux Vineyard Horse Heaven Hills 2008
Wine Spectator 93 points
Supple and velvety in texture, brimming with beautifully articulated plum, blackberry and currant fruit, nicely shaded with hints of rosemary and coffee. Shows elegance and power. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Drink now through 2018.—H.S.
Man oh man - you have to be kidding me! Very Champoux - huge, super-inviting flavors of black cherry, cassis and blueberry are incredibly juicy, playing off a sage note on the supple, perfectly integrated finish. Here's the win-win: this will drink fantastically from the day it arrives, and has outstanding balance to age for years. - Marcus
From the same vineyard that makes Quilceda Creek Cab and Andrew Will Sorella comes this indie-sensational Champoux Cab. Soos Creek's winemaker started purchasing fruit from Champoux Vineyard as an amateur winemaker and was able to continue to get Champoux's very in-demand fruit when he started a winery.
Marcus likes Soos Creek - Champoux. Ciel du Cheval. You can argue that there are better vineyards in Washington, but you won't likely win. Reds from these two vineyards always command hefty prices...almost always, that is. Soos Creek Champoux and Ciel du Cheval reds give new meaning to the term "value." These two wines, with their amazing Cabernet backbones, are the best priced Washington big reds.
More about Champoux Vineyard
If there were a candidate for a Washington State "First Growth," Champoux would be it. Wines made from its fruit are some of the most sought after from Washington.
Champoux Vineyard was first planted in 1972, making them some of the oldest Cabernet blocks in the state. The age of the vines, impeccable management, and a unique terroir combine to grow grapes that make terrific wines. The vineyard now consists of 170 acres of mixed varietals - Cabernet Sauvignon, Lemburger, Cabernet Franc, Syrah, Merlot, Riesling, Muscat, and Chardonnay.
Woodward Canyon, Quilceda Creek, and Andrew Will are all partner wineries of Champoux Vineyards along with Vineyard Manager, Paul Champoux. Champoux Vineyard is located in Alderdale, Washington, part of the Horse Heaven Hills AVA.
Previous Vintage Tasting Notes
2007 Vintage Tasting Notes
Delivering lipsmacking, balanced, age-worthy Cab for $36 isn't easy, but Soos Creek nails it. To me, the hallmark of Champoux Cabernet is the big, beautiful black cherry core. Soos Creek's Cab adds sweet blueberry and blackberry with vanilla mocha and dried herbs. Supple and totally delicious.
The Champoux Vineyard is the primary source used by Quilceda Creek Vintners to produce their 100 point Cabs in 2002, 2003 and 2005. Total production of this winery is about 800 cases in a good year.
2006 Vintage Tasting Notes
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate says: "The 2006 Champoux Vineyard was aged for 18 months in 50% new French oak. Pain grille, spice box, black currants, black cherry, and blackberry aromas are followed by a smooth textured wine with layers of fruit, savory, spicy flavor, and impeccable balance. It will evolve for 4-6 years and drink well through 2026."
2005 Vintage Tasting Notes
Wine Advocate 92 points
"The 2005 Champoux Vineyard received 65% new oak for 18 months. More saturated in color, it is a more opulent, succulent effort than the 2005. Nicely endowed and beautifully balanced, it will be at its best from 2014 to 2030."
