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! — a month ago

Danny Martinez

9.5

Happy Boxing Day 2022 from 🇭🇰! Ok. Bottle is done. Meal is complete. Honest review to follow. One — this wine. Serve this to anyone and they will be thrilled with its drink ability and balance coupled with depth and refinement. It’s Brunello de Montalcino’s finest (according to Sr and Sra Martinez). While service was a bit slow — where were we to go? Nowhere other than to people watch and enjoy the show. Technically it’s still alba truffle season; one tagliatelle order later (don’t ask the price); so happy. A dual of meat dishes: delightful (though don’t leave Danny alone w pomme purée) — but at the end of the day, it is the desserts that reign supreme. The sgroppino! The soufflé! Pannetone with mascarpone cream! The box of chocolates and truffles (and a side of limoncello). Visit at Christmas, we insist. This was a lovely visit at a staple favorite. 5 stars! — 3 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Pale lemon color with aromas of stone fruits and blossom and spice, fruit from the Martinelli Charles Ranch, two miles in from the Pacific, aged for 12 months in 25% new oak. On the palate flavors of apple and pear with a touch of zesty lemon, crisp, with nitty vanilla notes. Nice mouthfeel, vivid acidity, medium+ finish ending with fruit, vanilla and citrus mineral character. Nice! — 7 months ago

Al Shikoh

9.3

dark ruby purple; raspberry, rhubarb, sarsaparilla, mushrooms, pine needles, lavender, cedar: full bodied, surprisingly structured, good acidity despite ripeness, 14.6% ABV; made from 100% Pinot Noir by winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, sourced from estate vineyard just a few miles from Pacific Ocean, aged in 33% new French oak from multiple coopers; $75 — 3 years ago

Jack Petras

9.2

This w 2021 Viognier is exceptional. Great balance between its vibrant acidity snd lush fruit and flowers. Having it in a Solvang Airbnb courtyard probably 30 miles away from where it is grown. A true classic. — 3 years ago

Martinez

8.9

Entry-level Chasselas by Luc Massy, a historic producer from the village of Epesses in Lavaux (right on the shore of Lake Geneva, about 6 miles southeast of Lausanne). Pale gold color. Discreet nose with subtle aromas of pear, bake apple and vanilla. Light-bodied, round, delicate. Low acidity, subtle minerality. Great breakfast wine, as they say around here. — 3 years ago

Scott E. Becker

9.2

[Tasted on November 3, 2023 at Home]

The Kite’s Rest estate vineyard is located in Anderson Valley, 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Cherry and dried red currant, with licorice, smoke, stony minerality and spice. — 2 years ago

Willie Carter

9.4

Medium straw with green tinges. Nice persistent perlage and pleasant creaminess. The nose is pure bliss. Caramel with butter, apricots and pears, honey and apples. Fragrant floral notes along with warm brioche and sea spray.

A very stately and baronial wine from Chouilly in the Côte des Blancs. Rich and well developed at this point. The minerality is so good and the acidity just right. Precise and concentrated with all the depth that you would expect. Very lively and powerful.

The palate follows the nose with honey dipped apples and cinnamon. Chalky notes mingle with the electric citrus fruit. Long, long finish that just keeps going on and on. This still hasn’t hit its peak, it has miles to go. — 2 years ago

Al Shikoh

9.3

dark purple; blueberry, black plum, white pepper, black olive, hint of smoke; medium body, medium+ acidity, grippy tannin, 13.8% ABV; made from Syrah sourced from remote high altitude vineyard in Mendocino County 3.3 miles from the ocean and cofermented with 5% Viognier, 50% whole clusters used, aged 14 months in neutral French Oak puncheons; $48 — 3 years ago

Anna Sangiacomo

9.4

Two Miles from the Pacific Ocean with an elevation of 1500 feet. This is one of the most elegant wines of the three different sites.  Rose petals, crushed raspberry, wild strawberry.  — 4 years ago