In his youth Joe Stark had ambitions of someday owning his own business. He worked in his father's small cabinet shop and learned about business from his father. In 2005 his wife Vicki and he were able to fulfill his dream by founding Colene Clemens, named after Vicki’s mother. Colene Clemens was created right in their own backyard, as their property had the correct aspect (south facing), elevations (350ft to 650 ft) and an array of high quality, proven Pinot Noir soils to start their winery.
Winemaker Steve Goff is originally from Philadelphia and moved to San Francisco. Steve became fascinated with winemaking, eventually graduating from the Enology and Viticulture program at Fresno State University and he worked his way to the position of Assistant Winemaker at Beaux Frères. After working six vintages at Beaux Frères, he joined Joe and Vicki Stark in 2008 as the Winemaker and Vineyard Manager for Colene Clemens. Steve’s new wines from the 2019 vintage are really outstanding across the board. I love the new 2019 Colene Clemens Chehalem Mountains Chardonnay (OB, 92) which is fresh and viscous with seriously good texture. Even better is the fantastic 2019 Colene Clemens ‘Max’ Pinot Noir (OB, 94) which is burly considering some of the challenges at harvest. This is downright awesome stuff to savor right now, as it has both the acidity and weight to cellar well for another fifteen plus years. Learn more about these outstanding wines at coleneclemens.com and here are my reviews of the new wines by Colene Clemens and winemaker Steve Goff.
2019 Colene Clemens Chehalem Mountains Chardonnay- The 2019 Colene Clemens Chehalem Mountains Chardonnay is a joy to consume right now in its youth. Toasty oak with buttered popcorn and wet stone all combine on the palate. The soft texture and length add to the enjoyment. Drink 2022-2030- 92
2019 Colene Clemens ‘Margo’ Pinot Noir- The really good 2019 Colene Clemens ‘Margo’ Pinot Noir shows rich cherry cola with ash and pomegranate seed tones aromatically. The plate shows good verve and viscosity, finishing long with rich red and dark fruits with smoldering stones. Drink 2022-2032- 92
2019 Colene Clemens ‘Victoria’ Pinot Noir-The 2019 ‘Victoria’ is a gorgeous effort that is already nicely evolved. Sour cherry and black raspberry combine with salty soils aromatically. The freshness and finesse is outstanding as this is ripe and juicy, red fruit-driven wine that is best enjoyed over the next decade. Drink 2022-2034- 93
2019 Colene Clemens ‘Adriane’ Pinot Noir-The really tasty 2019 Colene Clemens ‘Adriane’ Pinot Noir reveals more depth and than the ‘Margo’ with pomegranate seed and iron accents that mingle well with minerals and shades of orange zest with salty tilled soils. The combination of mouthfeel and finesse really works here. Quite primary now, enjoy this deeply concentrated 2019 Pinot Noir over the next twelve years. Drink 2022-2034- 93
2019 Colene Clemens ‘Max’ Pinot Noir- The best wine out of the new Colene Clemens lineup, the ‘Max’ is named after Colene's great grandson. Immediately gratifying the 2019 ‘Max’ Pinot Noir unveils cherry cola and sassafras accents aromatically. The palate comes off very fresh and refined with firm tannins that line a rich core of red and dark fruits with shades of cinnamon, clove and mandarin orange rind. Finishing long, this gorgeous effort will provide drinking enjoyment for another fifteen years to come. Drink 2022-2037- 94