VINOPOP #37: Lopai Cellars

ABOUT

The LOPAI vineyard is one of the best-kept secrets on the West Side of Paso Robles. Paul captures this in the LOPAI wines with an impressively elegant touch" - Anthony Yount (acclaimed winemaker for Denner, RIISE, Kinero, SixMileBridge, Royal Nonesuch Farms).

In 2019, father and son team Paul and Brian Lopez established LOPAI Cellars in the Willow Creek district of Paso Robles, California. The Lopez family has roots in San Luis Obispo County of the Central Coast dating back to the late 1800's. Paul (P-Lo) was a popular grocer in Paso Robles for 35 years before entering the wine business. With 14 vintages under his belt and stints at Villa Creek and Alta Colina, he's currently the Cellar Master at Denner Vineyards. Paul's son Brian pursued a career in software engineering and technology before becoming the estate's full time vineyard manager. The property consists of 71 acres with about 38 planted with the potential for 20 more.

Brian leverages his background in technology to minimize water usage at the estate while transforming the site into a self-sustaining organic ecosystem capable of operating off-grid indefinitely while preserving soil health for future crops.

**Special Guest** We're getting wine nerdy for this VINOPOP! Paul (winemaker) and Brian (vintner) will guide us through 5 LOPAI wines, while Chris Taranto, the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance's Communications Director for over 20 years, brings the region to life. He’ll add fascinating insights into the soil, climate, and geology that make Paso wines so unique. And yes, Chris is bringing maps, rocks, and fossils for a little science-meets-wine magic! You won’t want to miss this!

THE WINES

2021 Sémillon

Only 72 cases

92 Points Jeb Dunnuck

A complex bouquet featuring lemon curd, white chocolate, lemon zest, toast, green apple, with hints of petrol, flint, slate, beeswax, and greek yogurt. Dominated by under ripe lime and grapefruit pith, with nuances of parmesan rind and salt. The wine is characterized by sharp, angular acidity leading to a long, leesy finish.

2020 La Montañita Syrah

Only 47 cases

96pts Tasting Panel Magazine

A mix of olive tapenade, leather, chocolate, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, coffee, smoke, ripe boysenberry, and ripe plum. Notable for espresso, cacao, and black cherry flavors. The tannins are fully developed, offering a supple, round, and soft mouthfeel. The finish is long with a distinct coffee flavor.

2019 Heliotrope 

95pts Jeb Dunnuck

Dominated by lavender and violets, followed by blackberry, boysenberry, spice, clove, game, baked earth, and fired amphora. Warm palate, with leather, graphite, meat, game, violets, and black pepper. The tannins are supple, evolved, and well-integrated, contributing to an expansive and inviting mouthfeel.

2021 Estate Cab Sauvignon

93pts Robert Parker

Unreleased!

2021 Nocturnes Petit Verdot / Petit Sirah

92pts Jeb Dunnuck

Unreleased!

Tickets are $50. Limited tickets and this event, like all VINOPOP events will sell out.

Contact us if you have questions or comments: Naushad@vinopopevents.com or text 949-439-6309

MUST BE 21+ TO ATTEND

NO REFUNDS UNLESS EVENT IS CANCELLED. NO TICKETS AT THE DOOR. THIS EVENT WILL SELL OUT!