THE STORY
We stopped in at Lepe Cellars on a whim and found practically a whole new lineup! How fortuitous! If you have not been to their new location in Carmel Valley, head on out Plus, they recently joined the American Wine Society’s Welcome Here Program. If you are an AWS member show them your card and they will automatically give you a discount. Sweet! Not a member? Join us and take advantage of discounts at all the wineries that have joined the program! You can find more information on our local chapter’s website here: American Wine Society Monterey Chapter.
I last presented Lepe Cellars here: AWS Monterey Celebrates an Early Valentines Day at Lepe Cellars’ New Location!
THE WINES
I have 5 Lepe Cellars wines to present to you today. Winery notes come from their website or tasting sheet unless otherwise noted. Any errors are mine and mine alone. All of these wines are from Monterey County.
2025 Lepe Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Zabala Vineyards, Arroyo Seco AVA, 12% ABV, $38 (#1757)
Winery Notes: “The nose is vibrant, with aromas of pineapple and fresh lime zest. On the palate, this wine bursts with flavors of lychee and grapefruit, complemented by a subtle hint of sweet bell pepper.”
My Review: Pale in the glass. Grapefruit on the nose. Mouthful of light pineapple. April 2026
2025 Lepe Cellars Sangiovese Rosé, San Antonio Valley AVA, 12% ABV, $38 (#1758)
Winery Notes: “The nose is bright and refreshing, showcasing a beautiful bouquet of floral aromas. A hint of wet stone provides an intriguing mineral quality. On the palate, the wine delivers a delightful range of flavors, led by juicy pomegranate, which brings a lush character. The vibrant red cherry follows, offering a burst of fruity brightness. Currant notes emerge, adding depth that enhances the fruit complexity.”
My Review: Pale pink in the glass. Tart and sweet play with each other on the palate. April 2026
2024 Lepe Cellars Pinot Noir, Monterey AVA, 13.7% ABV, $45 (#1759)
Winery Notes: “The nose is captivating with a blend of warm baking spices, creating a cozy and inviting bouquet. Sweet vanilla notes add a rich layer of complexity, harmonizing beautifully with spice. On the palate, the wine reveals flavors of red cherry, bursting with balanced acidity.”
My Review: A little sweet on the savory palate. April 2026
2024 Lepe Cellars Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 13.7% ABV, $55 (#1760)
Winery Notes: “The nose opens with a warm embrace of baking spices, including hints of cinnamon and nutmeg, which add depth and a touch of complexity. Underneath, a bouquet of ripe red cherry and fragrant raspberry emerges, bringing a bright and inviting quality to the wine. Subtle undertones of plum offer a rounded richness, enhancing the aromatic profile. On the palate, the wine showcases vibrant flavors of red cherry, which brings a juicy and luscious natural sweetness. Notes of ripe plum unfold, adding warmth and a velvety texture that lingers on the tongue.”
My Review: Plum on the nose with a peppery finish. April 2026
2024 Lepe Cellars Cabernet Franc, Tre Gatti Vineyard, San Antonio Valley AVA, 13.5% ABV, $55 (#1761)
Winery Notes: “This wine opens with inviting aromas of dark fruit, including black cherry and ripe blackberry, accented by a hint of crushed stone. On the palate, it reveals layers of raspberry and red plum, leading into a lingering savory finish with notes of black pepper and dried herbs.”
My Review: Cherry on the nose. Cherry, blackberry and pepper on the finish. Really tasty. April 2026
THE TASTING ROOM
The Lepe Cellars tasting room is located at 19 E Carmel Valley Rd. Carmel Valley, CA and is open during these hours: Friday – Sunday 12pm – 5pm, Monday – Thursday by appointment only.
© Decanting Monterey 2026
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