An interview with Dave Larsen of Soos Creek Wine Cellars
Dave Larsen of Soos Creek
In light of the fantastic reviews that Soos Creek has received for its 2005 Artist Series, I got together with Dave Larsen to learn a bit more about this up-and-coming winery in Washington. I met Dave at Taste Washington, where I had the opportunity to taste a delicious Bordeaux blend. With juicy complexity and a death defying finish it’s no wonder that Wine Enthusiast gave it 93 points, and we have it available at a special price here on AmericanWinery.com!
As for our interview, catch Dave’s responses below.
Lindi Kauer: Do you have any winery traditions, crush traditions or events that you are particularly fond of?
Dave Larsen: We have an annual open house, usually around Nov. 1st. But we are building a new house and winery which may prevent that this year. Taste Washington in Seattle is a great event for the public.
LK: What are some practices in the vineyard and in the winery which set you apart or which you are particularly proud of?
DL: I’m proud to be buying grapes from many of the best vineyards in the state: Champoux, Ciel du Cheval, Charbonneau, Dineen, Weinbau, Bacchus, Dionysus, Klipsun, Kiona, Lewis, Boushey, and Riverbend.
LK: What would you be drinking right now if you weren’t drinking your OWN wines?
DL: Our 1995 Columbia Valley Cab is aging beautifully and in a good place right now.
LK: To you – is wine more art or science? What about that do you love?
DL: I approach winemaking much more as a art than a science. I rely on taste for most of my winemaking decisions. Afterall, taste is what its all about. I consider my wines to be my art.
LK: Other wineries or winemakers you admire?
DL: I admire the usual suspects and enjoy the style of wines coming from Cadence.
LK: What is your favorite ‘food and wine’ pairing?
DL: Steak, mashed potatoes and red wine, e.g. Cab or Bordeaux or Pinot.
LK: If you weren’t a winemaker, what would you be? (dream job)
DL: Winemaking is my dream job but if I couldn’t do that, it would be something that would allow me to be equally creative, e.g. some type of art or writing.
For more information on Soos Creek and their wines, please visit their website or profile on AmericanWinery.com.
September 6th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Hi Lindi,
I believe that I remember you from a long long time ago; (Golly… it may have been like ten years ago!!!) when you were a student at UW in Seattle and working at Hooters? If you are the Lindi I knew, and if I did know you then, you really make me so very proud of your success. I’m so happy that you are following your passion for pimping(er promoting) great wines. But ten again in the past of fun days and good times, you did know how to pour a very good beer back then too…
September 8th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
Hi Bob! You have a great memory. . . I did work at Hooters while attending U of W, I guess we all have to start somewhere! In fact even after I graduated from college and worked in the Finance industry, I often times waited tables on weekends and studied wine in my spare time. I love interacting with people! Most recently I moved to Walla Walla with some friends to open a restaurant, Saffron Mediterranean Kitchen, and then found my dream job with AmericanWinery.com. I really do appreciate your kind words, and hope you’ll continue to tune in to our blog. I even share some recipes and wine pairings!