United States

“The 2024 Zinfandel Lopez Vineyard is a clear highlight in the Scar of the Sea lineup this year, one that I can see maturing and blossoming in bottle past its first decade. It is a distinctly floral perfume expression of the grape, bringing together potpourri, stone-fruit preserve, crushed stones and candied red fruit aromas with a compelling degree of dynamism and nuance. The palate provides greater concentration and density than the other red wines in the lineup, a power nicely balanced by mouthwatering acidity and an overall graceful, lively structure that flows through the grippy, persistent finish. Drink: 2025-2036. 94+ points

Mikey and Gina Guigni are key figures in the wine scene of the San Luis Obispo Coast, a role that’s only solidified since acquiring the acclaimed Bassi Vineyard outside Avila Beach. The couple is dedicated to revitalizing and stabilizing the vineyard through regenerative organic methods, dividing their attention between older blocks that can be rehabilitated versus those that require replanting. They take a long-term view of the site’s health and vitality, aiming to achieve the 25-year lifespan that has become typical across the Central Coast due to trunk disease issues compounded by previous viticultural practices aimed at boosting yields. Some steps toward these goals include increasing organic matter in the site’s rocky, sandstone soils, more intentional and gentle pruning and more efficient sulfur spray application with less soil compaction. Replanting efforts have focused on adjusting rootstock choices and vine density, with plans to test hybrid varieties for their greater resistance to the mildew pressure prevalent in the region. Alongside this newly acquired estate site, the couple manages farming over 40 acres of vines in the greater San Luis Obispo Coast, including Casa Contenta, MarFarm, Chene and Mountain Meadow, all of which hold biodynamic certification. Sources for purchased fruit have historically included sites in Santa Barbara County, which are gradually phasing out in favor of a complete focus on the San Luis Obispo Coast.

While Scar of the Sea and their other label, Lady of the Sunshine, once represented a “his and hers” relationship, Scar of the Sea has evolved into a more collaborative effort in recent vintages, producing around 5,000 cases annually. Cellar practices for red wines focus on native fermentations, basket-pressing, élevage in neutral Stockinger, Damy and François Frères barrels—typically, with thicker staves than those used in the Lady of the Sunshine offerings—and bottling before the following harvest. The Chardonnay bottlings undergo a second winter of maturation and include a small portion of perpetual reserve dating back to 2014, which adds textural richness and the illusion of new wood use while maintaining the lineup’s signature marine-driven freshness. In contrast, Lady of the Sunshine is entirely Gina’s project, producing about 2,000 cases annually. The most significant difference from Scar of the Sea lies in the white wine production, with the Lady of the Sunshine wines being noticeably more phenolic and a touch more transparent due to foot-treading and the lack of textural bolstering via solera. The white wines for both projects complete malolactic fermentation and use minimal sulfur, with the first additions often made four to six weeks before bottling. Whole-cluster retention varies by site: wines from Bassi are typically at least partially destemmed because of a naturally herbal, botanical profile, while the Chene and Mountain Meadow sites generally retain their stems for added structure.”

Matthew Luczy, Wine Advocate (11/25)