Sometimes it is hard to keep track of tasting rooms and their locations, as they swap primarily between Carmel-by-the-Sea and Carmel Valley Village. We knew Scratch had moved to the valley and decided to check out this new winery in its tiny spot in the entry way to an art gallery. Figge, Scratch and now Lepe, which opened back in April 2021! We were impressed with the wines and look forward to going back. Check them out if you haven’t been there yet!
About Lepe Cellars from their website: “Our goal is simple: to capture the true expression of the vines by farming in a way that respects the biodiversity within the land. We are able to achieve our sustainable and natural approach by spending our time in the vineyards where winemaking begins. From here there is a continuous flow into the cellar where low-intervention artisanal methods are used to express a sense of place surrounding the Monterey wine region.
“We source from organically farmed vineyards and hand harvest using sheers to keep the fruit intact and pristine. Our growers avoid the use of pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers. From there fermentation begins in small batches using native yeasts that originate from the vineyard and cellar, allowing the development for increased complexity. Aging continues in finely grained French oak barrels where the wine evolves naturally at its own pace. When the wine is ready, we begin the bottling process. Our wines are never fined nor do we use any other additives, making our wines organic, vegan and sustainable.”
About the Winemaker: “Miguel Lepe studied enology and viticulture at California Polytechnic State University – SLO. He began his career working for various well respected wineries across California’s Central Coast and South America. Passionate about his craft, Miguel’s hard work and dedication has led him on a new journey – creating Lepe Cellars to showcase the best of Monterey County wines.” He makes his wines at the Wrath winery and his mentor was Peter Figge.
Today I am presenting 5 Lepe Cellars wines. The winery notes and prices come from their tasting sheet, website and emails with the winery.
2020 Lepe Cellars Vermentino, Cedar Lane, Arroyo Seco AVA, 13% ABV, $26 (#478*)
Winery Tasting Notes: “Layers of lemon and lime mingle with mineral tones, wet stone, and a floral bouquet. This bright and energetic Vermentino pairs well with oysters, scallops and sushi.”
My Review: Perfumey with bitter grapefruit on the palate. Lime zest on the finish. I like a Vermentino from Cedar Lane! only 1 of 2 that I know. August 2021
2017 Lepe Cellars Chardonnay, River Ranch, Carmel Valley, 13% ABV, $32 (#479*)
Winery Tasting Notes: “Seared orange-rind and toasty bread aromas make for a slightly wild but intriguing nose. There’s a lemon-peel tang to the sip, where hints of cream, apple and pineapple converge.”
My Review: Neutral oak was used to make this flavorful Chardonnay – lemon, pineapple and a touch of bitterness fill the palate. I like this Chardonnay! August 2021
2020 Lepe Cellars Pinot Noir, McIntyre Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 13.9% ABV, $49 (#480*)
Winery Tasting Notes: “Bright and lush in style, unleashing fresh juicy cherries and raspberries with hints of hibiscus on the finish. Light to medium body spectrum achieving a fresh fruit forward profile. Pairs well with herb crusted pork tenderloin, grilled lamb, mushroom creams and dark sauces.”
My Review: Comes from a great SLH vineyard – garnet in color. I confess as not a Pinot Noir lover, I failed to capture proper tasting notes. August 2021
2020 Lepe Cellars Zinfandel, Wellong Vineyard, San Antonio Valley AVA, 13.7 ABV, $40 (#481*)
Winery Tasting Notes: “This single-vineyard expression from southern Monterey County begins with a floral hit on the nose before diving into cherry-compote and crushed rock aromas. It’s linear on the palate with red-plum, hibiscus and cinnamon tones, finishing with a spicy kick of white pepper.”
My Review: Spicy on the nose. This is about the best Zinfandel I have tasted from Monterey County – will for sure be one to watch. It comes from one of the best potential spots for Zin in the area. August 2021
2019 Lepe Cellars Syrah, San Saba Vineyard, Monterey, 13.7% ABV, $55 (#482*)
Winery Tasting Notes: “Elegant aromas of fresh blueberry and violets with hints of dark plum, black pepper and milk chocolate on the palate tied together with soft lush tannins. Pairs well with Lamb shawarma, Indian tandoori and barbecued ribs.”
My Review: Dark ruby in the glass. Beautifully jammy nose carrying over onto the palate. Best Syrah we tasted on this day. I sure hope I bought some! August 2021
You can buy Lepe Cellars wines on their website or at their tasting room on Dolores between 7th Avenue and Ocean, Carmel-by-the-Sea, daily 12-7 p.m. on a first come, first served basis. They are also sold at these locations:
- Deer Park Wine & Spirits – Aptos, CA
- Capitola Wine Bar – Capitola, CA
- Star Market – Salinas, CA
- Elroy’s Fine Foods – Monterey, CA
- Village Wine & Tap Room – Carmel Valley, CA
*Refers to wines tasted while Sheltering in Place on Sharon’s personal Facebook group “Sharon’s Central Coast (Monterey) Wine Blog” – including non-Central Coast wines.
© Decanting Monterey 2023
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