Today we share a world-class brand new winery. Lopai is led by a father and son team, Paul and Brian Lopez. Their estate-driven wine project located 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. Brian pursued a career in software engineering and technology before becoming the estate's full time vineyard manager. The LOPAI estate is located 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean, benefiting from the Pacific's steady coastal breezes. Temperatures at the estate are on average 10 to 25 degrees cooler than in downtown Paso Robles.Brian Lopez purchased the land upon which the LOPAI estate sits in 2019, and their inaugural release was in 2023.
I was floored with the overall quality of the wines. I adore the 2022 Lopai Semillon (OB, 92) which comes from the famed Vogelzang Vineyard and offers tons of texture and depth. I love the 2019 Lopai ‘Heliotrope’ Red Wine (OB, 94) which is dense and chewy — a treat to savor now. Learn more at lopaicellars.com and here are my reviews of the new Lopai wines.
2022 Lopai Semillon- The outstanding 2022 Lopai Semillon comes form the Vogelzang Vineyard in Happy Canyon. This is rich and neatly textured stuff delivering kiwi and pear flavors alongside honeydew melon notes on the palate. Great now, enjoy over the next few years to come. Drink 2024-2030- 92
2020 Lopai ‘Jada’ Syrah- The 2020 ‘Jada’ comes from the Willow Creek District and its namesake vineyard. Smoked brisket, tar and tobacco leaf play well with deep dark fruits on the palate. Delicious now, enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2024-2030- 92
2020 Lopai ‘La Montanita’ Syrah- Coming from the La Montanita Vineyard in the San Luis Obispo Coast AVA, this is inky in the glass, offering alluring aromatics of anise and black rose petals alongside bergamot and dark currants. Plush and hedonistic on the mouth, this has a gorgeous layer of black fruits that greet you, alongside stony minerals and good tension. Drink 2024-2030- 93
2020 Lopai Cabernet Sauvignon- Sourced from the Willow Creek District, this has 13% Petit Verdot blended in as well as 4% Petite Sirah. This comes off soft and juicy with bitter chocolate and black currant flavors alongside good tension and viscosity. Enjoy now and over the next several years. Drink 2024-2030- 92
2019 Lopai ‘Heliotrope’ Red Wine- The 2019 ‘Heliotrope’ combines Cabernet Sauvignon (63%) with smaller portions Mourvèdre and Cabernet Franc coming from the Denner Vineyards. This is a total stunner with creme de violette, tar, anise and black currant jelly on the palate. Delicious and very viscous, enjoy over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 94