An immensely expressive white wine, where aromas of citrus, elderflower, mint, and crushed stone rise intensely from the glass. The acidity is razor-sharp, and the finish lingers for what feels like an eternity.
92 POINTS
Vinous
The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc is gorgeous. Bright and racy in the glass, the 2021 presents a striking combination of varietal aromas and flavors, but with an added kick of texture from the portion of the wine that is fermented and aged in neutral barrels.
The wine is partially aged in stainless steel tanks and partially in used barrels. This provides a fuller structure without allowing the oak to overshadow the expression of the Sauvignon Blanc grapes.
A vibrant, fresh, and elegant Sauvignon Blanc.
New World Sauvignon Blanc can sometimes lack the crispness and tension that many love and associate with the classic white wines of the Loire Valley. But that is absolutely not the case here!
With this sublime Sauvignon Blanc from Lieu Dit Winery, you get coolness, vibrancy, crispness, and energy in every sip. The grapes come from different vineyards in Happy Canyon, Grassini, McGinley, and Star Lane. The soil composition varies significantly across these sites—from sand and gravel in Star Lane to heavier clay soils, flint, and other stones in McGinley and Grassini—adding beautiful complexity to the wine.
The wine is partially aged in stainless steel tanks and partially in used barrels. This provides a fuller structure without allowing the oak to overshadow the expression of the Sauvignon Blanc grapes.
Sauvignon Blanc from Lieu Dit Winery is an immensely expressive white wine, where aromas of citrus, elderflower, mint, and crushed stone rise intensely from the glass. The acidity is razor-sharp, and the finish lingers for what feels like an eternity.
About Lieu Dit Winery
Lieu Dit Winery is an exciting project born out of a close friendship between two of California’s most intriguing wine personalities and their shared passion for wines from France’s Loire Valley.
The winery was founded by sommelier and restaurateur Eric Railsback, along with none other than Tyler Winery’s founder, Justin Willett. Their friendship dates back many years, and together they have traveled extensively across Europe, drawing inspiration from its wine culture. A common thread in their journey has been their love for Loire wines, and in 2011, they decided to experiment with these very grape varieties—Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Cabernet Franc—on American soil in Santa Barbara County. The region’s climate and soil conditions turned out to be perfect for crafting the wines that both Eric Railsback and Justin Willett aspired to make.
Their goal has been to produce wines with great personality, purity, elegance, and balance. The style is cool yet expressive, with minimal intervention in the cellar to allow the unique characteristics of each grape variety to shine through.
Lieu Dit Winery is synonymous with refined Californian winemaking, and their wines consistently receive high scores and praise from critics, including Robert Parker and especially Vinous.
