Pain-Perdu translates to “lost bread” — referring to the dish that takes forgotten, or overlooked, stale bread and transforms it into a beautiful, delicious dessert — and Fabien Castel’s Pain-Perdu project is inspired by that dish. After working side-by-side with Adam Tolmach at Ojai Vineyard for over two decades, Fabien established Pain-Perdu in 2023 when he partnered with three land stewards — three groups of like-minded and passionate wine professionals — with the ambition to explore Santa Barbara County’s untapped potential of terroir, original micro-climates and unique geologic influences. Fabien works with classic Burgundian varietals Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from three esteemed vineyard sites: Rancho San Julian in Santa Barbara County and Bentrock Vineyard and Drum Canyon Vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills.

The majority of Fabien’s Le Circuit Pinot Noir is sourced from the clay and sandy loam soils of the 70-acre Drum Canyon Vineyard located in the northeast edge of Sta. Rita Hills. Pinot from the alluvial-clay soils of Rancho San Julian Vineyard in western Santa Barbara County completes the wine. Le Circuit deftly displays the dark, seductive side of Pinot. Highly aromatic, the wine offers dark red berry and stone fruit on the nose with hints of dried rose petals. The juicy palate is supple and elegant, though well-structured with lush flavors of black cherry, currants and plum. The finish is sensuous and persistent. Enjoy with roasted pork shoulder, grilled porterhouse or braised lamb with roasted root vegetables.