Tagged: Lepe Cellars

Monterey County Vintners & Growers Celebrate 50 Amazing Years!  

As a huge fan of Monterey County wines, I hold a special place for the resources and efforts of Kim Stemler and the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association. When I learned I could be there to join the Monterey County Vintners & Growers celebrate 50 amazing years, I could not wait for the date!

THE STORY – The Monterey County Vintners & Growers celebrate 50 amazing years

This annual meeting was held on January 31st at Rustiqué Winery out River Road. It was mostly attended by our local vintners and a handful of their supporters. After their board meeting, we mingled and sampled some of their newest wines, some not yet released.  It was a relaxed and friendly setting with a delicious lunch, followed by the meeting itself.

MINGLING

Before the meeting, I had the chance to speak with several winemakers I have gotten to know over the years.  We asked about the 2023 vintage and heard the following: gratitude for the lack of wildfires, plentiful in yield, yet some mixed results vineyard by vineyard. David Baird from Folktale indicated he is looking forward to the imminent release of his 2023 whites and rosé. I thanked Miguel Lepe of Lepe Cellars for recently hosting the Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society and he invited us back any time! Sabrine Rodems was very excited to show off the new Scratch C-47 Grenache-Syrah. Adrien Valenzuela from Corral Wine Co. brought their latest Petite Sirah just being released – wow. Kirstie Dyer invited us up to Holman Ranch for a tour and tasting. Dennis Hoey of Odonata did a double-take at our last name – just one letter separates us. People do ask me if we are related. Later, I joked that we should invite him to our upcoming family reunion as a long, lost cousin!

There were a number of Associate members of the group present, to whom I was introduced as a “Monterey County wine influencer.” I prefer the term “groupie.” I’m just a passionate fan and wine educator who helps get the word out about our fabulous wineries and wines.

THE MEETING

At the meeting itself, there was great recognition of how far the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association has come over these past 50 years – from their early meetings in a bar to having this larger meeting in a winery barn! Kudos were given to Kim Stemler, the face of Monterey wines, for her hard work increasing the profile of our vineyards and wineries, while working with regulatory bodies.

Kim has worked to support the members and to find solutions to challenges like COVID and wildfires (air support first makes a difference!). She provides a single point of information to streamline communication. One marketing success from 2023 was renaming the River Road Wine Trail to the Monterey Wine Trail and soon we will see new signs put up to help guide visitors. And she helped us get our local wines onto the shelves of Whole Foods! She also talked about getting wineries to visit each other to share techniques and expertise. 

BRAINSTORMING

The next part of the meeting was to brainstorm at our tables some of the biggest positives and negatives for the region. At our table, we talked about the positive of growing recognition of Monterey County wines and the negative of increased shipping costs throughout the production supply chain, including delivery to consumers. As an example, the sharp increase in shipping costs during and after the pandemic have made it increasingly difficult for me to put together a class for my DC-based group. 

With this much growth in the past 50 years, I can’t even imagine what it will be like the next time the Monterey County Vintners & Growers celebrate 50 amazing years!

THE WINES

Today I am sharing impressions of 9 of these latest wines; I didn’t take detailed notes.  Winery notes, where available, come from their websites or labels, or as otherwise indicated. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2022 Moonlit Harvest Chardonnay, Monterey County, 13.5% ABV, $22 (#1246) produced and bottled by Cowboys, Livermore, California

From the Back Label: “Eighteen eighty-three is the year C.H. Wente founded his winery in Northern California. This wine pays homage to his pioneering spirit and passion for quality grape growing and winemaking. The grapes for this wine were grown and harvested under our serenely moonlit estate vineyards located in Monterey, regarded as one of the best places in California to grow Chardonnay. The cool, coastal influences are ideal for delivering flavors of ripe apple, guava and mango balanced by subtle oak, vanilla and spice. Enjoy!”

My Review: Quite tasty and balanced with distinct tropical notes balanced with a little buttery oak – quite representative of a Monterey County Chardonnay. I would present this in a class.  January 2024

2022 (?) Kori Sauvignon Blanc, Griva Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County (#1247)

My partner poured this, so I am assuming it is the 2022, for which I cannot yet find any notes. 

Winery Notes: N/A

My Review: The tasty fruit for this wine comes from one of a top Arroyo Seco vineyard – Griva.  A nice balance of citrus flavors with a predominance of that classic Sauvignon Blanc grassiness.  January 2024

2021 Scratch C-47 Grenache/Syrah, Monterey County, 14.4% ABV (#1248) 75% Grenache, 25% Syrah

Winery Notes: N/A

My Review: Big, bold flavors in this well-balanced wine. I don’t know the blend, but it clearly has enough Syrah to please my palate. Excellent. January 2024

2020 Corral Petite Syrah, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo County, 14.5% ABV (#1249)

Winery Notes: N/A

My Review: Rich and dark blue and blackberry tongue-coating flavors. I know I am not supposed to have favorites but this was, for our palates, our favorite wine of the day!  January 2024

2019 Silvestri Eugenia Red Blend, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 15% ABV, $65 (#1250)

Winery Notes: “The 2019 Eugenia is a unique blend of our estate reds (35% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Franc,15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot) at 25% New French Oak.  Aged 18 months in barrel… Our version of a Bordeaux blend using all five varietals with Malbec leading and Cabernet Sauvignon just behind offering bold flavors of plumb and black currant and structure.  Cabernet Frank and Merlot evenly support with balancing softness and a slight herbacousness and a minor contribution of Petit Vedot with color, tannin and spice.”

My Review: Very berry on the nose and palate, opening into a richer red. Tasty. January 2024

2021 Rustiqué Syrah, Tondré Grapefield, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.4% ABV (#1251)

Winery Notes: N/A

My Review: I was excited to try this Syrah from the esteemed Tondré Grapefield. My guess is that it is the first Syrah produced by Rustiqué.  It was quite berry on the nose, followed by a very nice palate.  I’d like to try this again.  Time for a visit to Rustiqué!  January 2024

2019 Odonata Sangiovese, Machado Creek Vineyard, Santa Clara Valley AVA, Santa Clara County, 14.2% ABV (#1252)

Winery Notes: “Strawberries, hints of cinnamon, leather and earth. The palate is round with balanced acidity and tannin. Great vintage for Machado Sangiovese, this wine is powerful and fruit forward, but will lean out into dried leaf and cool subtleties as time progresses. 10-20 year wine for sure.”

My Review: We got a lot of berry and cherry flavors with solid tannins on the finish – agree this would benefit from cellaring and I would like to taste it again!January 2024

2021 Bernardus Pinot Noir, Garys’ Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.7% ABV, $80 (#1074)

Winery Notes: “The renowned Garys’ Vineyard was planted with the celebrated “Pisoni clone” by the two iconic growers of the Santa Lucia Highlands: Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni. Together they have brought worldwide attention to this fabulous appellation for the exceptional quality of its Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. This year, Gary Franscioni and Gary Pisoni have graciously offered Bernardus a few extra tons of the superb Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir (expertly farmed by Mark Pisoni). This enabled us to ferment in 3 small fermenters, providing a new subtle complexity to the finished wine.

“Our 2021 Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir exudes a gorgeous perfume of ripe, dark red fruits along with notes of rose pedal. The fabulous palate is very intense – powerful yet elegant – with layers of boysenberry, ripe black cherry and a hint of spice. This is without a doubt, our finest Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir to date!”

My Review: We somehow ended up with a bottle of this wine at our table.  Pinot Noir is not my wheelhouse, but this big, complex Bernardus Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir is one of the finest I have tried.  A pretty, bright red ruby color. Cherry and raspberry nose, followed by continued red fruit flavors on the complex palate. It went exceptionally well with our meal. January 2024

2021 Lepe Cellars Petit Verdot, Merit Vineyards, San Antonio Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV (#1253)

Winery Notes: N/A.

My Review: Tobacco on the nose. Dark plum and berry flavors on the palate. Pretty delicious. This was a great wine with which to finish the program.

THE TASTING ROOMS

With the exception of Moonlit Harvest, these wines can be tasted in our local Monterey County tasting rooms, spanning the 3 regions of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Valley Village, and the Monterey Wine Trail.  You can find more information on their websites or at the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association website.

© Decanting Monterey 2023

Support Decanting Monterey’s Wine Education Efforts!


Lepe Cellars Hosts a Jingle-Mingle!

THE STORY

Last August, I had the chance to meet Miguel Lepe of Lepe Cellars and his assistant Thyra Roth at the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association Trade and Media Tasting in Carmel-by-the-Sea. There, I asked him if he would be interested in hosting the Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society for one of their First Friday events – and he said yes! We finally held that event in early December and it became our chapter’s holiday party at his tasting room inside the Winfield Art Gallery. He was a gracious host, educating our group on his wines and sharing about his winemaking journey.

I previously presented Lepe Cellars Wines in 2 posts: And Now: The Final Post on the Monterey Wines Trade and Media Event!and Lepe Cellars: A New Face on the Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Circuit!

ABOUT LEPE CELLARS (from their website)

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.”

Our Mission

“We take great pride in blending the best of Old World and New World techniques, enabling the wine to develop naturally over time and allowing the journey to be kept as pure as possible, highlighting the regions true terroir.”

THE WINES

I have 7 Lepe Cellars wines to present to you today representing 5 distinct AVAs within Monterey County!  You can read more about Monterey’s AVAs here. Winery notes come from their website unless otherwise noted. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

2021 Lepe Cellars Chardonnay, River Ranch Vineyards, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 13.3% ABV, $38 (#1234)

Winery Notes: “Citrus and white flower aromas lead into a bright profile with green apples, lemon, and honeysuckle with a touch of minerality on the palate.”

My Review: Pineapple and butter notes on the nose. Crisp and flavorful on the palate with a slightly acidic finish. I took one home. December 2023

2022 Lepe Cellars Sangiovese Rose, Merit Vineyards, San Antonio Valley AVA, Monterey County, 12.5% ABV, $30 (#1109)

Winery Notes: “This bright, stone fruit focused dry Rosé starts out with a burst of peach and apricot leading into hints of tangerine. Pairs well with seared salmon, lobster and tuna tartare.”

My Review:  A light, pretty pink hue in the glass. Caramel and fruit notes on the nose. Really delicious palate of peach – great balance of sweet and dry. I’d enjoy this in the microclimate. December 2023

2022 Lepe Cellars Pinot Noir, San Saba Vineyard, Monterey AVA, Monterey County, 13.7% ABV       , $40 (#1236)

Winery Notes: (Description of the 2021 vintage) “Fresh and soft in style, unleashing notes of cherries and raspberries on the palate with hints of hibiscus and rose petals on the nose.”

My Review Powered by Terravenos:  Cherry on the nose. Smooth, young. In a year, it will be glorious. Perfumed with cherry, berry and savory notes – very good with the white cheddar. December 2023

2021 Lepe Cellars Pinot Noir, McIntyre Vineyards, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.5% ABV, $55 (#1237)

Winery 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.”

My Review: This Pinot Noir comes from one of my favorite vineyards for Pinot in the Santa Lucia Highlands. This was a much richer, darker wine with more tobacco and tannin on the palate and finish – a very different wine from the first Pinot Noir. December 2023.

2021 Lepe Cellars Zinfandel, Wellong Vineyards, San Antonio Valley AVA, Monterey County, 13% ABV, $42 (#1238)

Winery 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. There is red-plum on the palate with hibiscus and cinnamon tones, finishing with a spicy kick of white pepper.”

My Review:  Smokey caramel on the nose. Rich dark berries, a little sweet on the palate. This is one of the best examples of Zinfandel in Monterey County. December 2023

2021 Lepe Cellars Syrah, Zabala Vineyards, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $55 (#1239)

Winery Notes: “Intriguing 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.”

My Review:  Very dark in the glass. A warm nose with black berries. Rich palate of dark fruit. Tastes more high alcohol than it is. I’d like to put this up against a Halter Ranch. I’m always on the hunt for a Syrah made from Zabala Vineyards fruit. I like this wine and took one home. December 2023

2020 Lepe Cellars Petit Verdot, Merit Vineyards, San Antonio Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14.4% ABV, $49 (#1110)

Winery Notes: “Elegant aromas of wild strawberry, savory soy and light licorice show on the nose of this pure varietal. Dark plum and cherries show on the first sip, with a bit of earthy forest floor woven with pepper, oak and tannin creating a velvety, rich texture.”

My Review:  I’ve had this wine before and described it like this: “Plummy and jammy on the nose. Tobacco and dark fruits on the palate. Very nice.” But today, my palate said it was smokey, baby.  This is a 2020 wine, after all. I’ll need to try it again. December 2023

THE TASTING ROOM

The Lepe Cellars tasting room is open daily from 12-7 p.m. inside the Winfield Art Gallery on Doloresbetween Ocean & 7th, Carmel-By-The-Sea.

© Decanting Monterey 2023

Support Decanting Monterey’s Wine Education Efforts!


And Now: The Final Post on the Monterey Wines Trade and Media Event!

THE STORY

As I mentioned in my previous post, I really feel like Decanting Monterey is getting some recognition when I start getting invited to events that are “wine trade only.”  The Monterey Wines Trade and Media Tasting, was held in Carmel in early August, offering an opportunity to talk to vintners and their representatives one-on-one! This is part 3 of my experience there. Please read Part 1 here and Part 2 here for more details. And many thanks again to the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association for the tickets!

Today’s post will cover these local wineries and some of the wines they presented that day: Lepe Cellars, Windy Oaks Estate, Wrath, McIntyre Vineyards, and Galante Vineyards. Because these are the last wineries we visited that day, our tasting notes are skimpy – we focused more on conversations with the winemakers and staff. Winery notes come from their website or conversation with the winemaker, unless otherwise indicated. Any errors are mine and mine alone.

THE WINERIES/WINES

LEPE CELLARS

It was so nice to finally meet Miguel Lepe! He is one of our bright, creative NextGen winemakers – and one to watch!  I’ve tasted his wines several times and was so happy to finally meet him.  I admire the fact he is willing to make the kinds of big reds I like – in our land of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. I previously wrote about Lepe Cellars here: Lepe Cellars: A New Face on the Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Circuit! I’m also working on a Monterey Chapter of the American Wine Society event at his tasting room in Carmel-By-The-Sea in the next few months!

2022 Lepe Cellars Sangiovese Rosé, Merit Vineyards, San Antonio Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14.5% ABV, $30 (#1109)

Winery Notes: “This bright, stone fruit focused dry Rosé starts out with a burst of peach and apricot leading into hints of tangerine. Pairs well with seared salmon, lobster and tuna tartare.”

My Review: By now, our tasting notes have been reduced to a few words. This rosé exhibited a mellow nose.  The Sangiovese grapes made this a very tasty version. August 2023

2020 Lepe Cellars Petit Verdot, Merit Vineyards, San Antonio Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14.5% ABV, $49 (#1110)

Winery Notes: “Elegant aromas of wild strawberry, savory soy and light licorice show on the nose of this pure varietal. Dark plum and cherries show on the first sip, with a bit of earthy forest floor woven with pepper, oak and tannin creating a velvety, rich texture.”

My Review: Plummy and jammy on the nose. Tobacco and dark fruits on the palate. Very nice. August 2023

WINDY OAK ESTATE

I met Kerry Winslow in the Windy Oaks Tasting Room a few years back.  Extremely knowledgeable and friendly, Kerry is a class act – and he is everywhere.  After years of reading and quoting the wine blog grapelive.com, I finally put two and two together. And he has a great presence on Instagram and LinkedIn – follow him! He had us try a few wines on this day. We were just about at the end of this event, so note taking was practically non-existent. My apologies, Kerry.  I can do better. I previously wrote up Windy Oaks here: Windy Oaks: Les Deux Grands Crus and More Pinot Noir!

2018 Windy Oaks Chardonnay, Escolle Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, $32(#1111)

Winery Notes: Kerry indicated that this is a particular parcel of the Escolle Vineyard farmed especially for them.

Winemaker notes from wine.com: “Brilliant crisp golden delicious apple, bosc pear, lemon and pineapple fruits unfold on the rich palate along with hints of nutmeg, clove spice, butter rum and golden figs.

“This Chardonnay is sourced exclusively from the Escolle Vineyard near the famous Garys’ Vineyard, which is set on the classic sandy loams with touches of quartz and granite. All barrel fermented and aged in French oak with bâtonnage (stirred lees), it sees malolactic secondary fermentation which adds depth and texture to this lively wine.”

My Review: This is a very delicious, oaky, buttery, and creamy Chardonnay and currently available on their website. August 2023

2021 Windy Oaks Estate Cuvée Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, Santa Cruz County (#1112)

Winery Notes: N/A

My Review: You all know I am not the biggest Pinot Noir fan, but I liked this one.  It had a very nice, lean palate with enough complexity to hold my interest. August 2023

2016 Windy Oaks Diane’s Block Estate Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, Santa Cruz County (#1113)

Winery Notes from wine.com: “Grown on 5-acre block, all estate, slightly warmer site, at a lower elevation, resulting in a bit more fruit forward notes. Exciting density and ultra-smooth ripe/creamy tannins with a stylish nose of wild strawberry/rhubarb and lavender. More subtle in the nose it saves its forward nature for a medium full attack on the lush palate showing fine detail and an array of red fruit flavors, mineral tones and sweet and sour notes, finishing long and spicy. The mouth feel makes an impact with layers of raspberry, black cherry and fresh picked plum along with a hint of French oak and savory spices that add excellent contrast in this serious and structured Pinot.”

My Review: It was a real treat to be able to taste this vintage of the Diane’s Block.  However, I apologize for lack of good tasting notes.Garnet in the glass with a touch of acidity on the finish. 2023

WRATH

We became quick fans of Wrath thanks to their broad portfolio of wines, especially, for me, their Syrahs.  It was through their wines that we began to get to know some of the great vineyards of Monterey County, such as their own San Saba Vineyard, the Tondré Grapefield in the Santa Lucia Highlands, and, more recently, KW Ranch, also in the Santa Lucia Highlands.  Because of their different lines of wines – and if I happen upon a good sale, I can even squeeze their EX (formerly Ex Animus) wines from time to time into one of my East Coast wine classes. And when I needed a Falanghina for my part of a virtual wine class, Wrath had one. You can read about it here: Ancient Roman Winemaking Meets Modern Viticulture!

2020 Wrath Swan/828 Pinot Noir, Monterey AVA, Monterey County, 14.3% ABV, $39 (#1114)

Winery Notes: “Dark cherry, raspberries and a touch of earthiness highlight the characteristics of our growing area… This clonal blend uses all estate grown grapes.  It combines dark cherry, raspberries and a touch of earthiness on the nose.  The palate offers a balance of structure and acidity that compliments elegant, focused red berry and cherry cola with a hint of forest floor.  Nimble and pure, it terminates with a long clean finish that is enhanced with a touch of mineral.”

My Review: This wine was interesting to me, as the smokey, earthy nose contrasted with the rich palate of fruit which followed. August 2023

2020 Wrath Pinot Noir, McIntyre Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.2% ABV, $49 (#1115)

Winery Notes: “Wines made from master-grower Steve McIntyre’s vineyard often exhibit the telltale characteristics of Santa Lucia Highlands terroir.  Our 2020 McIntyre Vineyard Pinot Noir is no exception.  Comprised of 100 percent 115 clone and made with 20 percent whole-cluster fermentation, it is dense and complex, with pomegranate, a touch of smoke and a mineral element.  Berry flavors of cranberry and pomegranate remain persistent, blending with red currant, more mineral and bright acidity in a structured finish.” 94pts- Wine Enthusiast

“The 2020 Wrath McIntyre Pinot follows instep with previous vintages and displays classic red and black cherry flavors with a distinctive underlying minerality.”

My Review: I tend to like the Pinot Noir wines that come from the McIntyre Vineyard and this one is no exception. This one was quite rich in the palate and delicious. August 2023

MCINTYRE VINEYARD

About two years ago, we happened to be in the Crossroads Shopping Center in Carmel and popped into McIntyre. It was a very quiet afternoon, so we got to taste a wide variety of Pinot Noirs.  That is when McIntyre Vineyards Pinot Noirs got my attention – I tasted some I actually liked!  You can read about that experience here: Impressive Pinot Noirs from Steve McIntyre Bring SLH to Life! Now I seek them out at events like these to validate my first impression! At the trade event this past August, we got to meet Kristen McIntyre and talk a bit about the wines.  Again, apologies.  As our penultimate stop, our notes are skimpy.

2019 McIntyre Family Wines Winemaker Series Don Van Staaveren Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA Monterey County, 14.6% ABV, $50 (#1116)

Winery Notes: “The idea for the Winemaker Series was born out of impatience and age-related urgency! If I’m lucky I’ll get to participate in another 20 to 30 vintages as our vineyards and wines evolve. Collaborating with a diverse set of winemakers and viticulturists provides exciting opportunities to experiment and accelerate our pace of discovery. Each Winemaker brings their own style and experience, just as a great chef or a musician, to the process of producing a life enhancing experience best shared with others” – Steve McIntyre

“Smells of bright, candied cherry fruit. The remarkably pure and crystalline cherry flavours have an aromatic sweetness to them that charms, while excellent acidity keeps the saliva flowing. Boisterous and bright with barely perceptible tannins. This expression of cherry will bring a smile to most drinkers.” (Alder Yarrow) Wine Enthusiast: 94 points

My Review: I tend to like the Pinot Noir fruit and winemaking style from McIntyre.  This one was quite delicious. Classic and elegant. I now have a better appreciation for the Winemaker Series of their wines and will stop by to taste some more. August 2023

2018 McIntyre Merlot, Kimberly Vineyard, Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterey County, 14.3% ABV, $30 (#1117)

Winery Notes: “Our 2018 Kimberly Vineyard is the epitome of Goldilocks-climate Merlot. It marries the lavish, ripe fruit of a warm site with the elegance and structure of a cool locale. As in previous years, the dominant character traits include blackberry, anise, cassis and dried currants. Below that is a bed of juicy black fruit and supple, silky tannins. While it drinks well now, this Merlot will continue to evolve and improve over the next decade.” (Steve McIntyre)

My Review: Sadly, I have zero tasting notes for this wine and will have to revisit it in their Crossroads Tasting Room in Carmel!

GALANTE VINEYARDS

While I have presented Galante wines on my website before (check out Galante: Now This Cowboy Makes Big Reds!, this was my first occasion to meet Jack Galante. The Galante family has a long legacy in the region, with his grandfather James Frank Devendorf founding Carmel-by-the-Sea and the Highlands Inn!  You can read more about the Galante history on their website.

A few years back, Galante sold its vineyards and winery to Tira Nanza (see above) and today it sources grapes from a variety of vineyards “from Paso Robles to Napa,” with most of their grapes coming from the Carmel Valley AVA, according to their website. According to Jack, they are still managing some vineyards.

Galante was the very last table we stopped at during this event – and my lack of tasting notes reflect that.  I haven’t been to their tasting room in a couple of years, so I will try to get back out there soon!

2021 Galante Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Blackjack Pasture, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $80 (#1118)

Winery Notes: N/A – pre-release

My Review: My only note was that this was one heck of a serious cab.  I definitely need to retaste this wine when it is released! August 2023

2021 Galante Vineyards Legacy Red Wine, Carmel Valley AVA, Monterey County, 14% ABV, $85 (#1119) 54% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon

Winery Notes: “This ongoing series celebrates Jack’s great-grandfather’s – James Frank Devendorf – vision, who founded the town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Aged in new French Oak for 15 months, this Bordeaux-style wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, featuring blackberries, violets and cocoa on the nose. Dried cherry and strawberry middle notes lead to a long, lingering finish of spice and tobacco. Cellar-worthy for many decades, but enjoyable right now as well.”

My Review: The only notes I took said that this wine exhibited some rather intense fruit – also worthy of a retaste soon! August 2023

THE TASTING ROOMS

All of these wineries have tasting rooms in Carmel, Carmel Valley, or out River Road – please check their websites for more information.

© Decanting Monterey 2023

Support Decanting Monterey’s Wine Education Efforts!


Lepe Cellars: A New Face on the Carmel-by-the-Sea Wine Circuit!

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

Make a Donation!

SIGN UP HERE TO GET Decanting Monterey DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR EMAIL!!

Don't miss a single exciting post about our Central Coast/Monterey wines! Enter your email address below for a free subscription to Decanting Monterey. Be sure to open the confirmation email and validate your subscription! See you soon!!

Verified by MonsterInsights