Best Pinot Noir You Can Buy Under $30

Rivals The World’s Finest Pinot Noir Under $30
One of Oregon’s Most Undervalued Producers
On The Cover Of Wine Spectator Smart But Issue

Oregon Pinot Noir is having another wave of success with the 2019 vintage. Press is huge and demand is higher than ever.  Today’s offer is one of the top wines of the vintage, and if you love Pinot Noir, regardless of region, you must try this.  The wine is from Colene Clemens, which came onto the main stage with their 2014 Dopp Creek Pinot Noir, which scored 91 from Spectator, was #42 on their Top 100 of 2017 and was the “cover story” for their Smart Buys Edition.  Ever since then, they have been on everyone’s radar and they absolutely blew us away with the most recent vintage of their Top 100 bottling.  The 2019 Colene Clemens “Dopp Creek” Pinot Noir is a superb bottle of wine.  The wine popped even bigger press than the 2014, scoring 94 pts and once this offer is sent out, it will fly.  This is one of those properties form Oregon that has a relentlessly loyal following and keeps rising the ranks of Oregon’s best every year.  I strongly recommend.

Colene Clemens if owned by Joe and Vicki Stary, natives of the Willamette Valley.  They built a business and fell in love with wine, especially Pinot and decided to follow their dream.  With knowledge and access to the finest of Willamette, they set out on a goal of making the absolute best Pinot Noir that they could.  They hired Stephen Goff to helm the winemaking team, a native of Pennsylvania who got the wine bug after moving to San Francisco.  He worked harvest at Carneros Creek, studied viticulture at Fresno State, and then landed the assistant winemaker job at the legendary Beaux Freres.  He worked there for 6 vintages before joining Colene Clemens in 2008.  Pinot lovers, this is a tremendous buy and shows the true upside potential of Oregon.  I was thoroughly impressed.

Colene Clemens Dopp Creek Pinot Noir 2019

“The 2019 Dopp Creek opens with pretty aromas of rich red fruit and savory herbs, which carry through on the palate. The wine is clean, balanced, and well-structured with a core of bright fruit and a round, supple mouthfeel. It finishes with a hint of pomegranate, rosemary, and warm spice. This wine drinks beautifully now, and will age gracefully over the next five to eight years.” Winemaker

“A vibrant, fresh and delightful pinot with wild raspberries, sliced mushrooms, lemon zest, 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.” – James Suckling