Founded by Eric Railsback and Justin Willett, Lieu Dit is dedicated to exploring the varieties of France’s Loire Valley grown under the Californian sun. Their focus on cool-climate vineyards in Santa Barbara County, particularly those shaped by the Pacific’s cooling influence, allows them to produce wines that are restrained, textural, and true to their origins. The team employs minimal intervention, native yeasts, and neutral oak, resulting in wines that showcase both grape and terroir.
The Lieu Dit Cabernet Franc 2023 is a vibrant and expressive take on this classic Loire variety, reimagined through the sunlit lens of California’s Santa Ynez Valley.
In the glass, it opens with bright aromas of redcurrant, raspberry leaf, wild herbs, and crushed violets, followed by subtle undertones of graphite, tobacco, and black pepper. The palate is lithe and energetic, framed by fine-grained tannins and lively acidity that carry flavours of juicy cherry, plum skin, and savoury spice. There’s a distinct mineral tension here, a hallmark of the marine-influenced sites where the grapes are sourced, giving the wine a precise and refreshing finish. Pair with duck breast with cherries, roasted beetroot salad, or charcuterie with aged goat’s cheese.