SOLD OUT! The 2019 Colene Clemens Dopp Creek Pinot Noir it is another fabulous wine from this all-star producer. Combining seamless texture with deep and full flavors, this is the way Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is supposed to taste.
I enjoyed a bottle last night, and it is very reminiscent of the 2018 vintage, which Wine Spectator scored 94 points. I expect the 2019 will score similarly....actually, it already has! James Suckling rated this one 94 points, and although he is normally a little aggressive with his scores, I think he nailed it on this one.
2019 Colene Clemens Dopp Creek Pinot Noir
94 points Josh Spurling, 94 points James Suckling
SOLD OUT
When I met with Colene Clemens winemaker Steve Goff (formerly of Beaux Freres) a few years back, he said the Dopp Creek was his favorite wine to make. He explained that with this wine, he was given carte blanche to work with all of the estate vineyards. By giving him this flexibility, Steve is able to blend different plots and parcels, depending on the vintage, to create a consistently delicious wine.
That’s why every vintage of this wine going back to 2014 has scored 91+ points with Wine Spectator. After tasting this one last nigh, I have no doubt the 2019 is destined for a 92-94 point score. The hot and sunny 2019 vintage yielded a big and fuller-styled Pinot Noir, but there’s still tremendous balance here.
If you’re not familiar with Colene Clemens, it makes sense. They don’t make much wine and most of it doesn’t make it out of Oregon. Located on the Western edge of the Chehalem Mountains AVA, winery founders Joe and Vicki Stark own 53 pristine acres. Farming is done organically, whenever possible, and Steve Goff handles wine-making duties. Prior to joining the winery, he trained at Beaux Freres as Assistant Winemaker.
James Suckling's notes on this one are quite similar to mine. "A vibrant, fresh and delightful pinot with wild raspberries, dark cherry, sliced mushrooms, fresh herbs, violets and peppercorns on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with ultra-fine tannins and bright acidity. So elegant and transparent. Fantastic value. Drink now or hold."
Ok, I think you get the point. This is one of those rare finds that we see just once or twice per year. Top flight Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, tremendous track record, and a great price. You do the math, but don’t take too long calculating. This will be gone fast and there’s no more to be had. Cheers to happy drinking and eating in Asheville!
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville