Scar of the Sea San Luis Obispo County Pinot Noir 2024

Scar of the Sea is a project begun by longtime friends Mikey Giugni and Mike Brughelli; two California dudes who love wine, beaches and the ocean. Together, they wanted to craft wines from vineyards that are influenced by the sea — with maritime soils and climates — which produce wines that speak of their origins in the Central Coast of California. To that end, Mikey and Mike founded Scar of the Sea, sourcing fruit from environmentally conscious growers at top-quality vineyard sites like Bien Nacido, Solomon Hills and Presqu'ile in Santa Barbara County as well as the Lopez Vineyard in Cucamonga Valley in southern California. Today, Mikey Giugni runs the project with the support of his wife, Gina (who makes amazing wines for her Lady of the Sunshine label). Mikey looks to produce wines with minimal input; wines that reflect the site where they are grown. The name of the label comes from a small red brick church in Tasmania (located right next to the beach), where Mikey worked for a growing season. He mistakenly read the old English writing as "Scar of the Sea", when, in fact, it is written "Star of the Sea".

Scar of the Sea's San Luis Obispo Coast Pinot Noir pours a brilliant ruby red to the rim, offering a bounty of red berry and stone fruit aromas tinged with an earthy note reminiscent of forest floor. The medium-bodied palate is vibrant and juicy showcasing flavors of strawberry, raspberry and macerated cherries. Laced with a succulent acidity and buoyed by savory tannins, this Pinot glides toward a long, captivating finish. Pair with warm, wild mushroom and goat cheese bruschetta or sautéed veal medallions with creamy sage polenta.