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Introduction
The 2022 Lieu Dit Chenin Blanc from Santa Ynez Valley, California, brings a fresh and nuanced take on Chenin Blanc, offering a balance of rich fruit, vibrant acidity, and mineral undertones. Known for its Loire-inspired wines, Lieu Dit has crafted this Chenin Blanc to showcase the unique characteristics of Santa Ynez Valley’s terroir, combining Old World elegance with California’s distinctive fruit expression.

Terrior
Santa Ynez Valley in California’s Central Coast is ideal for Chenin Blanc, with its mix of warm days and cool nights influenced by coastal breezes. The valley’s sandy and gravelly soils provide excellent drainage, which promotes concentration and intensity in the grapes, while retaining Chenin Blanc’s natural acidity and delicate minerality.

Appearance
Pale yellow with a slight golden hue, clear and bright, indicating freshness and vibrancy.

Nose
The nose is expressive, featuring aromas of ripe pear, green apple, and Meyer lemon, with hints of white flowers, honeycomb, and a subtle wet stone minerality.

Palate
On the palate, this wine is medium-bodied with crisp acidity, displaying flavors of juicy citrus, green melon, and peach. The texture is slightly rounded with a hint of creaminess from partial lees aging, balanced by refreshing minerality and a touch of salinity. Notes of chamomile and honey add layers of complexity, enhancing its Loire-inspired style.

Finish
The finish is long and clean, with lingering citrus and mineral notes, leaving a refreshing, slightly chalky impression.

Overall Impression
The 2022 Lieu Dit Chenin Blanc is a refined and balanced expression of Chenin Blanc, combining freshness and minerality with a vibrant California fruit profile. Its balanced acidity and complexity make it a versatile pairing with seafood, poultry, and creamy cheeses, and it also shines as a sophisticated aperitif.

Published Rankings
Wine Enthusiast Rating: 92
James Suckling Rating: 91
Robert Parker Rating: 90
Vinous Rating: 90

Published Awards and Recognition
Gold Medal, Central Coast Wine Competition 2023

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 13%
Farming Practices: Sustainable, focusing on minimal intervention and soil health. Lieu Dit uses organic compost, limits synthetic treatments, and emphasizes natural vineyard management practices to encourage biodiversity. Minimal irrigation is used to conserve water, respecting the natural climate of Santa Ynez Valley.

Producer Name: Lieu Dit Winery
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: USA
Region: Santa Ynez Valley, California
Grape Varietals: Chenin Blanc
Vintage: 2022
Wine Style: Dry white
Winemaking Techniques: Fermented in neutral oak and stainless steel, with partial lees contact for texture and minimal intervention to highlight varietal purity
Pack Size: 750 ml
Container Style: Bottle
Closure Style: Cork