Dunites Pinot Noir, San Luis Obispo Coast, California

Like sea spray on coastal cliffs or the first sun-warmed strawberry of spring, Dunites' 2023 Pinot Noir from the SLO Coast captures a wild elegance that feels distinctly Californian — yet beautifully restrained. This is Pinot Noir in its purest form: hand-harvested, whole-cluster kissed, and gently coaxed to life with native yeasts in neutral oak. Tyler and Rachel Eck once again deliver a wine that honors the quiet power of their wind-swept vineyards — a wine that hums with energy, brightness, and the gentle rhythm of the Pacific just beyond the vines.

Product Details

• 100% Pinot Noir
• SLO Coast AVA, California
• 70% MarFarm, 17% Bassi, 7% Casa Contenta, 6% Topotero Vineyards
• Native yeast fermentation
• 20-26% whole cluster inclusion
• Aged 5 months in neutral French oak barrels
• Unfined & unfiltered
• Sustainably farmed vineyards
• Minimal effective SO2 at bottling
• 13.5% ABV
• 3.62 pH
• 5.9 g/L TA (Total Acidity)
• 600 cases produced

Sensory Experience

Brilliant ruby in the glass, this Pinot Noir opens with a rush of red plum, sun-ripened raspberry, and wild strawberry aromas, threaded with delicate notes of sagebrush and coastal salinity. On the palate, it’s juicy and featherweight, with a bright core of fruit layered over subtle earth and mineral tones. The wine’s gentle tannins and vibrant acidity create a clean, mouthwatering finish that lingers like ocean mist. This is SLO Coast Pinot at its finest — transparent, vibrant, and effortlessly drinkable.

Winemaker Background

Tyler and Rachel Eck are the husband-and-wife team behind Dunites Wine Company, a project rooted in the coastal hills of San Luis Obispo County. Inspired by the free-thinking artists and philosophers known as the Dunites, Tyler and Rachel craft wines with minimal intervention and maximum respect for their vineyard sources. Tyler draws on global winemaking experience and currently also serves as winemaker for Fess Parker Winery. Rachel oversees vineyard management and sustainable farming practices, ensuring that the grapes they work with reflect both environmental stewardship and site expression. Their wines celebrate traditional techniques: native yeast fermentations, whole-cluster inclusion, gentle extractions, and neutral oak aging — all with the goal of preserving purity and vibrancy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve lightly chilled at 55-60°F to highlight the wine’s energetic acidity and delicate aromatics. A brief 20-30 minute decant will allow the subtle herbal notes and minerality to shine. This Pinot Noir is built for versatility at the table — think herb-roasted chicken, cedar plank salmon, wild mushroom risotto, or even a simple charcuterie board with goat cheese and fresh berries. While drinking beautifully in its youthful, juicy state, this wine has the structure and acidity to evolve gracefully over the next 3-5 years.