Dunites Pinot Noir Bassi SLO Coast 2023

A bright, wind-swept Pinot Noir from the absolute edge of the California coast. This isn’t your typical plush, sun-drenched Cali Pinot; it’s a lean, focused, and incredibly energetic bottle that feels more like a salty sea breeze than a fruit bomb. Coming from the Bassi Vineyard—perched just 1.2 miles from the Pacific—the vines here are battered by fog and ocean air, resulting in a wine with remarkable tension and a savory edge.

Tyler and Rachel Eck of Dunites are crafting wines that prioritize purity and place over power. The 2023 Bassi Vineyard Pinot is a standout: it’s all about crunchy red fruit—think tart cranberry and wild raspberry—intermingled with more cerebral notes of eucalyptus, dried rose petals, and a distinct, chalky minerality.

Because of the heavy coastal influence and the 50% whole-cluster inclusion, there’s a spicy, herbal grip here that keeps you coming back for another sip. It’s light on its feet (coming in at a refreshing 13.5% ABV) but possesses a deep, savory soul. This is a wine that begs for a slight chill and a place at the table next to roast poultry or a mushroom risotto. Truly a singular expression of the SLO Coast that shouldn’t be missed.