Lieu Dit (pronounced Loo Dee) is French for “said place” and refers to vineyards of historical significance within an appellation. In this case it refers to a project by two long-time friends and Santa Barbara natives, Eric Railsback and Justin Willett. Eric is a sommelier who has worked at a string of well-known restaurants as well as starting numerous business ventures, including one of which may be familiar to those of you from Santa Barbara: Les Marchands. Justin has already had a couple wines in Kompas Club: Wenzlua “Drawing Board” Pinot Noir, and the Racines Chardonnay. His Tyler Winery is probably quite familiar to you Santa Barbarans, as well. The Lieu Dit project is inspired by Eric and Justin’s many trips to France and their realization that the terroir of Santa Barbara County would be ideally suited for Loire Valley grapes such as Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Melon de Bourgogne, Cabernet Franc and Gamay. Chenin Blanc has soaring acidity, which means it improves with age, and this 2017 is just getting started. We bought extra, so if you like your first bottle you can buy some more to see how it ages.