2024 Lady of the Sunshine Bassi Vineyard Pinot Noir

Aromas of coastal red berries, wild strawberry, and cranberry integrate with subtle herbal tones and a distinct whisper of sea breeze salinity. The palate is vibrant and poised, featuring a juicy core of red fruit balanced by fine-grained tannins and a refreshing acidity. It possesses a supple, precise texture shaped by whole-cluster fermentation, finishing with a persistent mineral edge that reflects its cool, maritime origin.

Owner and winemaker Gina Giugni utilizes a natural, minimal-intervention approach for this estate bottling. In the cellar, the 100% Pinot Noir grapes are fermented with native yeasts in 1.5-ton boxes, incorporating 33% whole clusters to add structural complexity and aromatic lift. The wine matures for 10 months in neutral French oak barrels to preserve the purity of the fruit without adding wood flavors. It is bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal sulfur, maintaining the wine's energy and crystalline transparency.

The fruit is grown in the Bassi Vineyard, located just 1.2 miles from the Pacific Ocean in the San Luis Obispo Coast AVA. The site is defined by its steep, south-facing sandstone slopes and a cooling maritime influence that brings fog and persistent ocean breezes. In 2024, Gina and her husband Mikey purchased this historic 29-acre property, which they farm using Demeter-certified biodynamic and regenerative practices. This first estate vintage from their "forever farm" highlights the unique sandstone terroir and the high-toned, saline character typical of the Avila Beach microclimate.