Region: Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County, California, USA
Grapes: 100% Cabernet Franc
Body: Medium
Notes: Fresh red plum, tart cherry, green bell pepper, crushed slate, violet, and subtle graphite, with a snapping, linear acidity, refined tannins, and a clean, mineral-driven finish
Pairing: Continuous charcuterie boards, roasted pork tenderloin, herb-crusted lamb chops, grilled duck breast, or roasted root vegetables
The Producer
Lieu Dit is a acclaimed Santa Barbara County winery focused exclusively on crafting Loire Valley-inspired wines from the gravelly, marine-influenced soils of Santa Barbara. Founded by sommelier Eric Railsback and winemaker Justin Willett (of Tyler Winery), the project stems from a shared passion for the high-acid, mineral-driven varieties of the Loire. Sourcing from sustainably farmed vineyards across the Santa Ynez Valley, Lieu Dit prioritizes early picking, restrained extractions, and minimal oak influence to express the pure varietal character and coastal terroir of central California.
The Wine
Lieu Dit’s Cabernet Franc is a homage to the classic, fresh red wines of Chinon and Bourgueil. Sourced from high-drainage, gravelly plots in the Santa Ynez Valley, the hand-harvested grapes undergo partial whole-cluster spontaneous fermentation using native yeasts in neutral oak barrels and stainless steel. The extraction is kept gentle to preserve bright, crunchy red fruit and signature herbal aromatics while avoiding heavy, mouth-drying tannins. The 2023 vintage delivers remarkable vitality; it masterfully pairs an expressive bouquet of fresh berries, violet, and cracked pepper with a vibrant, mouthwatering acidity and a crisp, mineral-laced finish.
Region: Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County, California, USA
Grapes: 100% Cabernet Franc
Body: Medium
Notes: Fresh red plum, tart cherry, green bell pepper, crushed slate, violet, and subtle graphite, with a snapping, linear acidity, refined tannins, and a clean, mineral-driven finish
Pairing: Continuous charcuterie boards, roasted pork tenderloin, herb-crusted lamb chops, grilled duck breast, or roasted root vegetables
The Producer
Lieu Dit is a acclaimed Santa Barbara County winery focused exclusively on crafting Loire Valley-inspired wines from the gravelly, marine-influenced soils of Santa Barbara. Founded by sommelier Eric Railsback and winemaker Justin Willett (of Tyler Winery), the project stems from a shared passion for the high-acid, mineral-driven varieties of the Loire. Sourcing from sustainably farmed vineyards across the Santa Ynez Valley, Lieu Dit prioritizes early picking, restrained extractions, and minimal oak influence to express the pure varietal character and coastal terroir of central California.
The Wine
Lieu Dit’s Cabernet Franc is a homage to the classic, fresh red wines of Chinon and Bourgueil. Sourced from high-drainage, gravelly plots in the Santa Ynez Valley, the hand-harvested grapes undergo partial whole-cluster spontaneous fermentation using native yeasts in neutral oak barrels and stainless steel. The extraction is kept gentle to preserve bright, crunchy red fruit and signature herbal aromatics while avoiding heavy, mouth-drying tannins. The 2023 vintage delivers remarkable vitality; it masterfully pairs an expressive bouquet of fresh berries, violet, and cracked pepper with a vibrant, mouthwatering acidity and a crisp, mineral-laced finish.
What is natural wine?
Natural wine is wine made with minimal intervention from the winemaker, using organically or biodynamically grown grapes and without the addition of chemicals or additives such as sulfites. The result is a wine that is unique, expressive, and often has a more complex and nuanced flavor profile than conventional wines. Natural wine is also often associated with sustainable and ethical farming practices, making it a popular choice for those interested in environmentally friendly and socially responsible products.