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90POINTS
16½/20
IO 1997
Santa Barbara County, Central Coast, California, United StatesIo was introduced in 1999 with the release of the 1996 vintage. The result of more than a decade of experimentation, Io is a Rhone-inspired blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre from Santa Barbara County. Made under the care of Byron Vineyard's general manager and winemaker, Ken Brown, fruit for Io is sourced from two vineyards, Byron in the Santa Maria Valley and the Stolpman Vineyard in Santa Ynez Valley. There were only 1700 six packs made of this syrah (70 percent) grenache, mourvèdre and viognier blend grown on old vines that were grafted over in 1991. Yields are naturally 3.5 tons to the acre then taken down to 2 tons per acre at veraison. A big, sweet ripe Rhone wine that's extremely plush and easy to drink. Could be even more interesting if it was slightly less ripe and touch earthier.Tasted: 01 May 2000Tasted by: Anthony Gismondi and Stuart TobePrices:| US | $40.00 | 750ml | Retail |
Blend: Syrah - Grenache - Mourvèdre
