LIOCO is the result of a years-long conversation between Matt Licklider (a seasoned wine import specialist) and Kevin O'Connor (former wine director at Michelin Two-Star Spago-Beverly Hills) about whether California could produce a true "wine of origin."
With LIOCO everything begins in the vineyard--without a compelling vineyard site, there is little chance of creating a distinctive wine. Inspired by traditional European winegrowing practices, they seek out vineyard sites with tougher soil, older vines, and some stress-producing aspect (altitude, extreme temperature, poor soil, etc). Then we simply shepherd the grapes from bud to bottle in the least intrusive way possible.
The '08 Indica has less tannin and more satin. The additions of some cold-climate Grenache and Mourvedre produced unexpected high tones in the wine. Now the entire orchestra is playing. Bouquet of morello cherries, red plums, and rhubarb, accented with hints of baking spice. Tastes of sour cherries, dried blueberries, and something wonderfully herbaceous. The wine will transport you to southern France. And the 07 is rocking a screw cap! Twist and bliss.