Freddy R. Troya

9.0

69 Miles – Chardonnay 2024
Yolo County, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
An entry-level label of Lloyd Cellars, this Chardonnay showcases Rob Lloyd’s signature richness at a more approachable price point. The name 69 Miles represents the exact distance from the vineyard source to the winery’s crush pad—a nod to the precision and timeliness in harvesting and processing that preserves freshness.

Aromas & Flavors
Concentrated notes of mango, pear, and white peach lead, accented by buttercream and a touch of vanilla. The wine balances ripe fruit intensity with a gentle creaminess, offering opulence without heaviness.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied, creamy yet lifted, with a crisp streak of acidity that carries through the finish. The contrast between richness and freshness makes it both indulgent and food-friendly.

Winemaking Notes
Crafted under the careful hand of Rob Lloyd, known for his polished California Chardonnays. Though positioned as an entry-tier, the attention to vineyard sourcing and quick-to-crush handling gives this wine a high-quality edge.

Food Pairing
Perfect with roasted chicken, creamy pasta primavera, or seared scallops. Its tropical fruit core also plays beautifully with spiced dishes like Thai curry.

The Verdict
An affordable but well-crafted Chardonnay that delivers Lloyd’s signature plush style while keeping a refreshing edge. Proof that even at the entry-level, care in sourcing and timing can result in standout quality.

✨ Personal Highlight: I love how the story of 69 miles reflects vineyard-to-winery precision—it makes the wine’s freshness and balance even more meaningful. A perfect example of how detail in winemaking can elevate even an “everyday” label. Cheers! — 18 days ago

Richard Groves

9.1

Drinking w/lloyd 1/27/24 — 2 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

An excellent wine brought to the BYO Indian Restaurant in Cairns. Close to the WOTN, thanks Lindsay. Coriole’s Lloyd Shiraz has always been a rich wonderful full bodied expression of old vine McLaren Vale fruit. Red and black fruits with chocolate and supple fluid tannins. From an excellent vintage. Great stuff. — 4 years ago

Andy Thomson

9.5

Superbly aged — 3 months ago

with Rod, Don and 1 other

Jayna Fontenot

9.0

Fresh, buttery, and charming. A bit lighter than I expected given the nose, but an enjoyable Christmas evening wine with some sugar cookies. — 9 months ago

Ezekiel James Hampton

9.2

When it comes to the rich style, this hits all the good feelies. Rob Lloyd brings balance to acid with body. New world, but done the RIGHT way. Stop the snobbishness at the door. It’s immediate gratification and just plain good — 4 years ago

Kevin Dale

9.4

Handcrafted with the assistance of Lloyd Matthews (of Nine Suns and formerly Futo), the 2021 is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and defined by black fruit, blue eucalyptus, graphite, licorice, smoldering earth, and leather. — 9 months ago

Kelsi Messer

9.5

Robust red with a fruity, tobacco flavor. — 10 months ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Bright yellow gold. Inviting nose of dried pineapple and yellow flowers. Firm acidity leads the medium full palate which confirms the nose and adds French oak inspired vanilla, white pepper and a hint of honeyed green apple. Oaky, pome-y notes continue on the moderate finish. A rare, Burgundian style Chardonnay from Carneros which makes it not quite what one would expect from the appellation (especially if one is a Rombauer or Lloyd drinker), but an excellent accompaniment to a wide range of heartier white wine fare. Drink now through 2027. — 2 years ago

Kylie Farinelli

9.5

RRP $25. On sale $12.50 (6th August) — 4 years ago