{"title":"Lieu Dit","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"lieu-dit-cabernet-franc","title":"Lieu Dit Cabernet Franc","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLieu Dit Cabernet Franc\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Cabernet Franc wine from Santa Ynez Valley, California, bottled at 750ml with an ABV ranging from 13–14% depending on vintage. The 2019 vintage earned 95 points from Wine Enthusiast, and the label has drawn consistent critical praise from Vinous, where Antonio Galloni awarded the 2022 vintage 93 points — a testament to the seriousness of this California interpretation of a classically Loire Valley grape.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 13–14%  |  Origin: Santa Ynez Valley, California  |  Varietal: 100% Cabernet Franc  |  Winery: Lieu Dit (Eric Railsback \u0026amp; Justin Willett)\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLieu Dit is a collaboration between longtime friends Eric Railsback and Justin Willett, both deeply rooted in California's Central Coast wine culture. The Cabernet Franc is sourced from own-rooted vines planted at Happy Canyon Vineyard — an extremely rare viticultural decision in modern winemaking, as most North American vineyards graft onto phylloxera-resistant rootstock. Fermentation relies on native yeast with partial whole-cluster inclusion, and the wine is raised in neutral oak barrels, keeping the focus squarely on fruit purity and site expression rather than oak influence.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with dark violets and black cherry before shifting into layers of green tobacco, graphite, and wet rocks. More time in the glass reveals roasted red pepper and a subtle eucalyptus note that underscores the wine's aromatic complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is bright with crunchy cranberry and pomegranate, giving way to a mid-palate of dark plum and ripe blackberry framed by dried herbs and chaparral shrubs. A savory thread of tomato leaf and suede runs through the palate, adding textural depth and keeping the fruit from veering into sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is medium-long and tightly woven, with lingering notes of carnation, lavender, and a mineral graphite edge. It signs off dry and poised, inviting another sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Lieu Dit Cab Franc\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis wine shows best at a slight chill — around 60°F — served in a large-bowled glass that lets the aromatics open fully. It's a natural sipper on its own, but its herbal backbone and bright acidity also make it a versatile partner for food and lighter cocktail-adjacent wine preparations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClassic red wine service with a decant:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thirty minutes of air brings out the floral and savory secondary notes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSangria with fresh stone fruit:\u003c\/strong\u003e The plum and berry profile integrates beautifully with peaches and nectarines in a chilled red sangria.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRed wine spritzer:\u003c\/strong\u003e A splash of sparkling water and a sprig of fresh mint amplify the wine's herbal, refreshing qualities for warm-weather drinking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a wine lover who appreciates Loire Valley–style Cabernet Franc\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a California varietal collection beyond the usual Cabernet Sauvignon\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a seasonal charcuterie board on a cool evening\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExploring own-rooted viticulture and site-driven California winemaking\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Lieu Dit Cab Franc taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It delivers bright cranberry and dark plum fruit layered with dried herbs, graphite, and violets, finishing with a savory, mineral-driven persistence. The overall impression is closer to a Loire Valley Cabernet Franc than a typical California red — restrained, aromatic, and food-friendly.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Lieu Dit Cab Franc compare to Loire Valley Cabernet Franc?\u003c\/strong\u003e Critics and consumers frequently draw the comparison; Lieu Dit shares the herbal, floral, and mineral signatures typical of Chinon or Bourgueil but with slightly riper dark fruit reflective of its Santa Ynez Valley origin. The use of neutral oak and native yeast fermentation reinforces that Old World sensibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Lieu Dit Cab Franc good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — its aromatic intensity and balanced acidity make it an excellent wine for contemplative drinking on its own, especially when served lightly chilled around 60°F.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Lieu Dit Cab Franc made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced by Eric Railsback and Justin Willett under the Lieu Dit label in Santa Ynez Valley, California. The Cabernet Franc fruit is sourced from own-rooted vines at Happy Canyon Vineyard.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Lieu Dit Cab Franc?\u003c\/strong\u003e Roasted duck breast complements the wine's dark fruit and herbal notes. Grilled lamb chops echo its savory, peppery undertones. A mushroom and gruyère tart mirrors the earthy, mineral character. Aged goat cheese highlights the bright acidity, and roasted red pepper dishes resonate with the wine's aromatic profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Lieu Dit Cab Franc come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Lieu Dit Cab Franc worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e It positions as a premium, small-production California Cabernet Franc with 95-point critical recognition from Wine Enthusiast and consistent scores above 90 from Vinous, placing it among the top domestic expressions of the varietal and offering strong value relative to similarly scored wines.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Lieu Dit Cab Franc?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe defining differentiator here is the use of own-rooted, ungrafted Cabernet Franc vines — a viticultural rarity that most producers avoid due to phylloxera risk but that Railsback and Willett have embraced for the distinctive character it imparts. Combined with native yeast fermentation, partial whole-cluster inclusion, and neutral oak élevage, the winemaking philosophy strips away artifice and lets the vineyard speak. A 95-point score from Wine Enthusiast on the 2019 vintage confirms this isn't just an interesting concept but a genuinely accomplished wine. For anyone seeking a California red that channels the restraint and complexity of the Loire Valley while remaining unmistakably rooted in Santa Ynez terroir, this bottling stands in a category of its own.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lieu Dit","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837951275177,"sku":"35814","price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Lieu-Dit-Cabernet-Franc__49233.jpg?v=1730502277"},{"product_id":"lieu-dit-sauvignon-blanc","title":"Lieu Dit Sauvignon Blanc","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLieu Dit Sauvignon Blanc\u003c\/strong\u003e is a Loire-inspired, 100% Sauvignon Blanc from Santa Ynez Valley, California, bottled at 750ml with an ABV ranging from 12.5% to 13.6% depending on vintage. The 2023 vintage earned 92 points from Vinous and 91 points from Wine Advocate, reinforcing Lieu Dit's reputation as one of California's most compelling producers of Old World–styled white wine.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 12.5–13.6% (varies by vintage)  |  Origin: Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara County, California  |  100% Sauvignon Blanc  |  Winery: Lieu Dit\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLieu Dit was founded in 2011 by Eric Railsback and Justin Willett with a singular focus: producing French-inflected wines from Santa Barbara County fruit. The Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from McGinley Vineyard and Happy Canyon Vineyard, sites in the eastern reaches of Santa Ynez Valley where intense sunshine, Pacific fog intrusion, salty wind, and daily temperature swings of up to 30 degrees closely mirror conditions found in France's Loire Valley. The wine is fermented in a combination of tank and barrel using native yeast, then aged in neutral barrels and stainless-steel tanks—a mixed-vessel approach that preserves varietal purity while adding subtle textural complexity without imparting oak flavor.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with grapefruit pith and lime zest before moving into lemon verbena, a hint of melon, and stony mineral undertones. There is a green, herbal quality—sage and lemongrass—that recalls classic Loire Sauvignon Blanc rather than the tropical exuberance of New World versions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e On the palate, the entry is clean and medium in intensity, with crushed rocks and white pepper racing alongside gooseberry and tart pear. At mid-palate, melon rind and grapefruit expand with vibrant acidity, while green herbs and mineral tension keep the wine focused and linear. The overall impression is one of cleansing energy rather than weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is moderately long and crisp, with lingering notes of crushed limestone, mint, and citrus peel. A subtle savory quality—almost hay-like—adds intrigue as the wine fades.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Lieu Dit Sauvignon Blanc\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis wine is at its best chilled to around 45–50°F and served in a standard white wine glass that channels its aromatic complexity. It drinks beautifully on its own as an aperitif. For cocktail-adjacent applications, it works in a \u003cstrong\u003eWhite Wine Spritzer\u003c\/strong\u003e where its mineral backbone stands up to dilution; a \u003cstrong\u003eHugo Spritz\u003c\/strong\u003e (with elderflower liqueur and mint) that echoes its herbal character; and a \u003cstrong\u003eKir\u003c\/strong\u003e with a small measure of cassis, where its bright acidity provides the ideal counterpoint to the sweetness of the liqueur.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a wine lover who appreciates Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc but wants a California perspective\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing at an outdoor seafood dinner where crisp, mineral-driven whites shine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to the Santa Ynez Valley as a serious white wine region\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuilding a cellar of benchmark California Sauvignon Blancs from small-production wineries\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Lieu Dit Sauvignon Blanc taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Lieu Dit Sauvignon Blanc delivers grapefruit, lime, gooseberry, and green herbs layered over a firm mineral core, with bright acidity and a clean, savory finish. It reads closer to a French Sancerre than a fruit-forward New World Sauvignon Blanc.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Lieu Dit Sauvignon Blanc compare to Sancerre?\u003c\/strong\u003e Critics consistently draw direct comparisons to Sancerre, noting similar flinty minerality and restrained citrus character rather than tropical fruit. The key difference is that Lieu Dit sources from Santa Ynez Valley, where warmer daytime temperatures can yield slightly more body and riper stone-fruit undertones than a typical Loire bottling.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Lieu Dit Sauvignon Blanc good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes—its balance of acidity, mineral tension, and aromatic complexity makes it an excellent wine to drink neat as an aperitif or alongside light fare. The wine does not rely on residual sugar or heavy oak, so it rewards attentive sipping.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Lieu Dit Sauvignon Blanc made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Lieu Dit Sauvignon Blanc is produced by Lieu Dit Winery, founded in 2011 by Eric Railsback and Justin Willett, using fruit from McGinley Vineyard and Happy Canyon Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley AVA of Santa Barbara County, California.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Lieu Dit Sauvignon Blanc?\u003c\/strong\u003e Fresh oysters and shellfish complement its briny mineral notes; grilled branzino or halibut match its clean acidity; chèvre and aged goat cheeses echo its Loire-like profile; herb-dressed salads with citrus vinaigrette mirror its green and citrus aromatics; and grilled asparagus or artichoke hearts work with its subtle vegetal undertones.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Lieu Dit Sauvignon Blanc come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Lieu Dit Sauvignon Blanc is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Lieu Dit Sauvignon Blanc worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Lieu Dit positions as a premium, small-production California Sauvignon Blanc with consistent 90+ point critical scores across multiple vintages, which places it in strong value territory for wines of this quality tier and style.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Lieu Dit Sauvignon Blanc?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat separates Lieu Dit from the crowded California Sauvignon Blanc field is its unapologetic commitment to Loire Valley temperament in a Santa Barbara bottle. The 92-point Vinous score on the 2023 vintage is not an outlier—this wine has earned 90+ ratings across multiple vintages and publications, including Wine Advocate and VinePair. Native-yeast fermentation and neutral-vessel aging let the vineyard speak, and the vineyard—Happy Canyon's fog-cooled, wind-swept terrain with its dramatic diurnal shifts—has something genuinely distinctive to say. For drinkers who find most California Sauvignon Blancs too lush or too oaky, Lieu Dit offers a disciplined, mineral-driven alternative that has earned critical recognition vintage after vintage.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lieu Dit","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837951307945,"sku":"35815","price":22.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Lieu-Dit-Sauvignon-Blanc__33193.jpg?v=1730502280"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/lieu-dit.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}