this bottle politely disagrees
founding winemaker of Cristom Vineyards—one of Oregon's early believers in Syrah
along with hints of chalky minerality and toasted hazelnut from the lees aging
5 hectares in January 2014
fermented in 300-liter barrels (larger format allowing air exchange)
Lieu Dit, Cabernet Franc 'Santa Ynez Valley', 2023 SO013025 Ludes 2023s this bottle politely disagreesJustin 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.