Letter from Soos Creek Wine Cellars rcvd 12-Nov-1998 ---------------------- Nov 11, 1998 Dear Friends, The enclosed order form is being sent to our customers who previously ordered from us and also to everyone who asked to be on our mailing list. Orders will be shipped approximately the first week in December. Also enclosed is a review of Washington wines by Steve Tanzer, a New York wine writer. We produced 200 cases of our 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes were from the Champoux (formerly "Mercer Ranch") and Ciel du Cheval vineyards. As you may know, a severe freeze hit the vineyards of Eastern WA in the winter of 1995/1996 greatly reducing the crop size - the Charbonnaeu vineyard, which is usually a component in our wine, was completely wiped out. The smaller yield resulted in a dark, concentrated wine with good structure. 15% Merlot was added to soften the wine and add complexity. Our basic winemaking techniques have remained the same: the grapes are crushed directly into small open-top fermenter, the cap punched down twice daily, the must is pressed into French oak barrels, where the wine ages for 23 months then bottled with the help of many volunteers. To avoid stripping the wine of any character, it is unfined and unfiltered. Because of the tannin level, natural acidity and balance; I expect this wine will age for several years if properly stored. We hope you enjoy it! Sincerely, [signed] Dave Larsen ------------ [Summary of info from order form] Prices include 15% discount for orders receieved prior to Dec-5, 1998 Sales tax included for WA state residents Maximum 1 case per customer btls pickup ----- shipping ----- @winery WA Res. Out of State 12 $276.93 $289.93 $274.00 6 $138.46 $146.96 $138.40 3 $69.23 $75.73 $71.75 Wine is available for purchase at the winery one day only: 5-Dec-1998, 9am-5pm. 253-631-8775 sooscreek@mindspring.com 20404 140th Ave. S.E. Kent, WA 98042 ------------ [Attached article includes 21 wineries, and 71 wines -- here's Soos'] Soos Creek Wine Cellars 1995 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley ($21): Ruby-red. Perfumed, floral aromas of black raspberry, balackberry and chocolate. Terrific sappy flavors of violet and dark berries offer noteworthy intensity and lovely sweetness. This very stylish wine avoids the heavy extraction I find in too many current cabs from WA state. Finishes very long and fresh, with substantial, even tannins. 90 ----------------------