Lioco Mendocino County Pinot Noir 2023

The Lioco 2022 Mendocino County Pinot Noir is a study in the balance between fruit and savory tones. Staying light on its feet thanks to mouth watering acidity and an almost dance-like texture on the palate, this Pinot flashes next to everything from soul food or creole to modern Korean or Kaiseki cooking.

Nuance over power. That was the formula that Matt Licklider and wine director Kevin O’Connor hit upon while contemplating the heavy-handed state of California wine in an alley behind Beverly Hills’ Spago one day. The California wines of the 80’s built the region’s reputation and downplayed power for subtlety, but something had changed in the intervening years and Matt wanted to return to the Vinification of Nuance.

The heart of that mission lies in great fruit, which is why sourcing unparalleled vineyards is the central philosophy and action at the core of Lioco. Focusing on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Carignan made the mission easier to accomplish. It was also by focusing on high quality vineyards of these grapes that hidden treasures were found, such as long forgotten plantings of Syrah and abandoned varieties like Valdiguie. 

Based in Santa Rosa, Lioco is a welcoming winery that infuses that need for subtle quality in everything they do.