Scar of the Sea Bassi Vineyard Syrah 2022 2021

Scar of the Sea is the more serious of the two labels run by Mikey Giugni and Gina Hildebrand on California's Central Coast, working with minimal intervention to make wines of clarity and precision. This Syrah comes from the Bassi Vineyard, a site close to the Pacific where cool ocean air and fog slow ripening and keep the fruit fresh, so the wine stays restrained at 13% rather than turning rich and jammy as warmer-climate Syrah can. It ages ten months in barrel, a gentle period where slow oxygen exchange through the wood rounds the tannins and adds a light savoury frame without heavy oak. Farmed organically and made naturally, it shows the peppery, herbal side of cool-climate Syrah. The colour is deep, and the nose shows cherry and raspberry with herbaceous notes, black pepper and a hint of smoke. The palate is medium bodied and vibrant, with firm but fine tannin and a savoury, peppery finish. Serve at 16C in a large glass. It suits grilled lamb, beef and game.