El Lugar is Spanish for “The Place,” and this bottle is a terrific representation of this particular place, namely the San Luis Obispo Coast AVA. It’s the coolest (literally and figuratively) wine region in California, benefiting from the local maritime climate trapped between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Lucia Mountains that run parallel to the coast for the length of the appellation’s eastern boundary. Winemaker Coby Parker-Garcia sources grapes from the Spanish Springs, Greengate Ranch, Talley Rincon, and Bassi Ranch vineyards, all in close proximity to the coastline. What with the fog and cold oceanic weather, it takes longer to ripen grapes here than in almost any other region. This much hangtime in other parts of the state would result in vines full of raisins, but here on the SLO Coast the added time is manifest by increased complexity and an underlying crispness. Add bright fruit and a nice use of oak here (Françoise Frères, if you cares) add up to a wine that’s a benchmark for the region.