Lieu Dit Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Ynez Valley, USA

The 2023 Lieu Dit Winery Cabernet Sauvignon from Santa Ynez Valley, California, is a striking inaugural release that reflects both the power of the grape and the unique coastal terroir of Happy Canyon. Made with minimalist intervention and a deep respect for place, this red wine delivers a sophisticated interpretation of Cabernet Sauvignon grown in serpentine soils and vinified with precision.

Product Details:

• Grape Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Winemaker/ Owner: Justin Willet
• Alcohol by Volume: 15.0%
• Vinification: Destemmed and fermented with native yeasts in open-top stainless steel tanks
• Maceration: Two-and-a-half weeks with pumpovers
• Aging: Aged in French oak barriques (10% new); racked once post-malolactic, then again to tank before bottling
• Fining/Filtration: Unfined, lightly filtered

Sensory Description:

This Cabernet Sauvignon opens with a deep, brooding core of black fruit, graphite, and crushed herbs, grounded by the mineral richness of its serpentine hillside origin. On the palate, it is full-bodied and structured, showing layers of cassis, black cherry, and subtle tobacco, elevated by bright acidity and polished tannins. The oak is expertly integrated, offering gentle accents of spice and cocoa. A lingering, powerful finish completes this expressive, age-worthy red.

Winemaker's Background:

Lieu Dit Winery was founded on a belief that the Santa Barbara region, especially its cooler subregions, can produce world-class expressions of French grape varieties. Located in Santa Ynez Valley, the estate emphasizes thoughtful farming and restrained winemaking. Winemaker Justin Willet, a Santa Barbara native, brings deep regional knowledge and a minimalist touch to the cellar, letting site and season lead the expression. Lieu Dit’s focus on Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Franc now welcomes Cabernet Sauvignon to its lineup, sourced exclusively from the Santa Ynez Vineyard’s Block 46B.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 60–65°F in a large-bowled glass to allow the wine to open fully. Ideal pairings include grilled lamb chops, mushroom risotto, or aged cheddar. This wine is structured enough for cellaring but balanced enough for enjoyment now after decanting.

This release marks an exciting evolution in Lieu Dit’s portfolio. With the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Justin Willet harnesses the power and elegance of Santa Ynez Valley terroir, resulting in a bold yet refined wine that promises to become a modern classic.