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Io 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 Winemaker Jonathan Nagy, fruit for Io is sourced from two vineyards, Byron in the Santa Maria Valley and the Stolpman Vineyard in Santa Ynez Valley.
Ken Brown, founder of Io, was one of the pioneers of the cool-climate Santa Barbara appellation. He was the first to introduce Rhone-style grape varieties to the region as early as 1981. Io is made at Byron's state-of-the-art gravity-flow winery completed in 1996. | Santa Maria, CA
Phone: (805)934-4770
Website: http://www.iowines.com/index.asp
Appellation: Santa Maria Valley
Map to IO Vineyards
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Rhone Blend
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2005 Io Rhone Blend
Santa Barbara County
"Like the strong-willed princess from Greek mythology for whom the wine is named, Io is beautifully expressive and sensuous, combining Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre from Santa Ba ... morerbara County vineyards. The 2005 Io is concentrated, complex, and exceptionally well balanced on all levels. Aromas of strawberry, blackberry pie, dark plum and earth are accented by white pepper, brown spice and toasty smoke. The mature fruit flavors and rich concentration are framed by silky, rounded tannins and a supporting thread of natural acidity, making the 2005 Io a superb accompaniment to a wine array of full-flavored dishes. The wine offers a remarkable length on the palate that continues through its opulent, resonating finish."
- Jonathan Nagy, Winemaker
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Syrah
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2005 Syrah, Ryan Road Vineyard
Santa Barbara County
"The 2005 Io Syrah Ryan Road, bearing the name of princess Io from Greek mythology, is an excellent illustration of the ripe, rich flavors and luxurious texture that result from th ... moree warm climatic conditions and austere soils of the Ryan Road Vineyard. The wine displays lush aromas of blackberry jam and floral notes. A burst of flavors, including dark plum, brown spice and fresh tobacco greets the palate and is enhanced by a richly textured mouth feel and smooth, gravely tannins. The wine culminates with a long, luscious finish." - Jonathan Nagy, Winemaker
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Syrah
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2005 Syrah, Upper Bench Vineyard
Santa Barbara County
"The 2005 Io Syrah Upper Bench, bearing the name of princess Io from Greek mythology, is an excellent illustration of the complexity, spice and full, lush tannins that result from ... morethe Upper Bench vineyards. The wine is well structured with aromas of white and black pepper, leather and smoke. The flavors are concentrated with hints blackberry, blueberry, spice and a toasty, smokey finish. The texture is richly layered with firm tannins and a lingering fruit finish." - Jonathan Nagy, Winemaker
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Grenache
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2005 Grenache, Nielson Vineyard
Santa Barbara County
"The 2005 Grenache is an excellent illustration of the complexity, color, and fruit expression that result from Grenache grown in a cool climate. The wine is complex and well struc ... moretured with aromas of blueberry, plum, clove, and brown spice, and a touch of white and black pepper. The flavors are concentrated with hints of sweet blueberry, ripe raspberry, and brown spice with a smoky finish." - Jonathan Nagy, Winemaker
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Updated on January 24, 2008
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