Finding a wine that punches well above its weight class is the ultimate win for any enthusiast-a discovery we are all constantly chasing. Dunites Wine Co. delivers exactly that, capturing the wild spirit of the California coast through a vibrant red blend that proves world-class quality doesn't require a triple-digit investment. At only $25, this bottle offers a sophisticated yet accessible experience born from the soulful, high-elevation viticulture of San Luis Obispo.
This small-batch project is led by the husband-and-wife team of Tyler and Rachel Eck, whose philosophy is deeply rooted in the rugged beauty of the SLO Coast. The winery takes its name and inspiration from an eclectic group of 1930s refugees-artists, poets, and free-thinkers-who settled in the local beach dunes to live outside the cultural norms of their time. By combining their global experience from prestigious estates, like Fess Parker and Paul Lato, the duo utilizes traditional cellar techniques to honor the region's unique terroir. Their focus on uplifted seafloors and ancient sand dunes results in elegant, small-production wines that express a distinct sense of place and remote coastal beauty.
The 2024 Dune Song Red is a blend of 62% Syrah and 38% Grenache and is a great representation of cool climate varieties. The cooling influence from the nearby Pacific Ocean contributes to an extended hang time where the grapes ripen slowly while developing complex flavors without producing wines of excessive alcohol. Partial whole cluster vinification, native yeasts, and aging in 500-liter neutral French oak puncheon were all employed to ensure purity and balance. The finished wine is juicy with ripe berry and plum flavors and brightened by lively acidity and a saline finish with subtle, firm tannins.
Its exceptional quality has been recognized by the industry's top critics: Antonio Galloni's Vinous Media awarded it 94 points, stating "The 2024s are breathtaking-not least the Dune Song, a value-oriented Grenache/Syrah blend that delivers an unbelievable amount of character at a ridiculously low price." While Robert Parker's Wine Advocate assigned 93 points, noting "This is a uniquely refined and alluring expression of the San Luis Obispo Coast"
Whether you're looking for a high-value daily drinker to stock up on or a great bottle to bring to a dinner party, the Dune Song Red is one of those rare finds that overdelivers on every front. It's a great way to experience the coastal magic Tyler and Rachel have bottled this year.
ANTONIO GALLONI'S VINOUS MEDIA 94 POINTS - "Husband-and-wife team Tyler and Rachel Eck make compelling wines from this SLO Coast–based operation. Tasting the 2023 Syrahs from bottle following stunning showings from barrel last year only reinforced my initial impression that these two know what they’re doing. The 2024s, tasted one week after bottling, are breathtaking—not least the Dune Song, a value-oriented Grenache/Syrah blend that delivers an unbelievable amount of character at a ridiculously low price."
"A blend of 62% Syrah and 38% Grenache, the 2024 Dune Song dances across the palate with boundless energy and verve. Black raspberry, black sage, white pepper, tangerine peel and dark-toned florals are beautifully articulated. Chalky tannins make their presence felt through the long, youthfully tense finale. The 2024 is a gem today that will only deepen with time. I'm not sure how many truly ageworthy $25 wines there are out there, but this is undoubtedly one of them. Wow."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 93 POINTS - "Another impressive and overperforming Dunites release is the 2024 Dune Song, a blend of 62% Syrah and 38% Grenache from Hi Kite and Rancho Arroyo Grande, respectively. A classic and lovely bouquet of black fruit, purple flowers and crushed stones introduces a palate that melds spongy density with tensile focus, culminating in a soaring, mouthwatering finish laced with streaks of minerality and spice-driven nuances. This is a uniquely refined and alluring expression of the San Luis Obispo Coast, to be enjoyed through its first decade."
This small-batch project is led by the husband-and-wife team of Tyler and Rachel Eck, whose philosophy is deeply rooted in the rugged beauty of the SLO Coast. The winery takes its name and inspiration from an eclectic group of 1930s refugees-artists, poets, and free-thinkers-who settled in the local beach dunes to live outside the cultural norms of their time. By combining their global experience from prestigious estates, like Fess Parker and Paul Lato, the duo utilizes traditional cellar techniques to honor the region's unique terroir. Their focus on uplifted seafloors and ancient sand dunes results in elegant, small-production wines that express a distinct sense of place and remote coastal beauty.
The 2024 Dune Song Red is a blend of 62% Syrah and 38% Grenache and is a great representation of cool climate varieties. The cooling influence from the nearby Pacific Ocean contributes to an extended hang time where the grapes ripen slowly while developing complex flavors without producing wines of excessive alcohol. Partial whole cluster vinification, native yeasts, and aging in 500-liter neutral French oak puncheon were all employed to ensure purity and balance. The finished wine is juicy with ripe berry and plum flavors and brightened by lively acidity and a saline finish with subtle, firm tannins.
Its exceptional quality has been recognized by the industry's top critics: Antonio Galloni's Vinous Media awarded it 94 points, stating "The 2024s are breathtaking-not least the Dune Song, a value-oriented Grenache/Syrah blend that delivers an unbelievable amount of character at a ridiculously low price." While Robert Parker's Wine Advocate assigned 93 points, noting "This is a uniquely refined and alluring expression of the San Luis Obispo Coast"
Whether you're looking for a high-value daily drinker to stock up on or a great bottle to bring to a dinner party, the Dune Song Red is one of those rare finds that overdelivers on every front. It's a great way to experience the coastal magic Tyler and Rachel have bottled this year.
ANTONIO GALLONI'S VINOUS MEDIA 94 POINTS - "Husband-and-wife team Tyler and Rachel Eck make compelling wines from this SLO Coast–based operation. Tasting the 2023 Syrahs from bottle following stunning showings from barrel last year only reinforced my initial impression that these two know what they’re doing. The 2024s, tasted one week after bottling, are breathtaking—not least the Dune Song, a value-oriented Grenache/Syrah blend that delivers an unbelievable amount of character at a ridiculously low price."
"A blend of 62% Syrah and 38% Grenache, the 2024 Dune Song dances across the palate with boundless energy and verve. Black raspberry, black sage, white pepper, tangerine peel and dark-toned florals are beautifully articulated. Chalky tannins make their presence felt through the long, youthfully tense finale. The 2024 is a gem today that will only deepen with time. I'm not sure how many truly ageworthy $25 wines there are out there, but this is undoubtedly one of them. Wow."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 93 POINTS - "Another impressive and overperforming Dunites release is the 2024 Dune Song, a blend of 62% Syrah and 38% Grenache from Hi Kite and Rancho Arroyo Grande, respectively. A classic and lovely bouquet of black fruit, purple flowers and crushed stones introduces a palate that melds spongy density with tensile focus, culminating in a soaring, mouthwatering finish laced with streaks of minerality and spice-driven nuances. This is a uniquely refined and alluring expression of the San Luis Obispo Coast, to be enjoyed through its first decade."
