Impressive in every respect
and cassis—balanced by earthy spice
along with hints of chalky minerality and toasted hazelnut from the lees aging
founding winemaker of Cristom Vineyards—one of Oregon's early believers in Syrah
fermented in 300-liter barrels (larger format allowing air exchange)
Lieu Dit, Cabernet Franc 'Santa Ynez Valley', 2023 SO013025 Ludes 2023s Impressive in every respectJustin Willett and Eric Railsback built Lieu Dit around a singular vision: Loire varieties in California. This Cabernet Franc from two distinct vineyard blocksone planted in 1998, one a 2015 massale selectionexpresses Santa Ynezs unique geology of sandy gravel, chert, and serpentine through whole cluster fermentation and French oak aging. Red fruit, black cherry, lavender, earth, and pepper create a wine that tastes both familiar and revelation worthy.