Tree Kilpatrick

8.9

This is still an elegant and complex hot climate Zin. Reminiscent of European wines even though it’s Zin. We’ll see how it changes now that it’s not being made by the winemaker named on this label… — a day ago

Tree Kilpatrick

8.9

Aged Yolo County Tannat. With a whimsical name. Dark color with a rusty edge. Smells a bit funky. Spike of berry liquor. Hint of wood chips. Flavors are very heavy on the black currant with a hint of plummy-ness. Might be a bit past perfection. Not as much as much tannin and funk as some Tannat, but has plenty of style. Drinks a bit like a French wine. Wonder who is using these grapes now that Rockwall is out of business? — 2 years ago

Dana Brown

9.4

Very into it — 4 years ago

Tree Kilpatrick

9.2

Deep dark, extracted color of night. Smells like cream, berries and rocks. Flavors are excellent. Woodsy, fruit-full, robust. This is a wine that goes great with food. I had strong cheese with crackers. Washed down great. — 5 years ago

Brett

9.0

2017 vintage — 6 years ago

Al Shikoh

9.1

pale peach color; nectarine, tangerine, orange peel; tart stone fruits, bit of phenolics; light bodied, dry, very fresh, only 11.5% ABV; blend of 44% Syrah, 26% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, and 5% Counoise with fruit primarily from Windmill Vineyard in Dunnigan Hills AVA in Yolo County with additional Syrah from Hurley Vineyard in Napa Valley; fruit picked early in July, whole-cluster pressed then fermented and aged on the lees in stainless steel with no malolactic fermentation; $22 — 6 years ago

Sarah Stierch

Food & Wine Editor Sonoma Valley Sun

9.3

Delicious!!! Lots of berry, rose water. Yum. — 7 years ago

with Lauren

Tree Kilpatrick

8.9

Very, very red. Maroon. Aroma is hints of fruits, berries. Some rosemary. Flavors are a bit savory. Anise and olives. Berry stuff. Juicy. — 5 months ago

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! — 9 months ago

Walt M Britt

9.2

85% Clarksburg, Yolo County 15% Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County. — 5 years ago

Ellen Clifford

9.0

If you need to make peace this will bridge the gap betwixt bitter and sweet. — 6 years ago

Christopher Losa

Owner/Wine Director Bar Bambino

9.0

yup. what daily drinking Cali wine should be. excellent showing for the money. — 7 years ago

Sarah Nelson

9.1

Berry balanced. — 7 years ago

with Jill

Boris Mathiszik

8.9

Decent cab, actually surprisingly good for Yolo county. — 6 months ago

Tree Kilpatrick

9.3

The Boss. This 74% Petite Sirah, 8% petite Verdot, 6% Alicante Bouchet, 5% Cab Sauv., 4% Syrah, 3% Malbec. Deep color. Smells nice. Elegant. Classy. Flavors are fruity. Licorice. — 6 months ago

Tree Kilpatrick

8.9

Whimsy on the label. Color is great. Sorta glint of gold in the silvery shimmer. Smells of lemon peels and apple-pear juice. Hint like Sauv Blanc. Flavors are balanced and smooth. Slightest of sweet with plenty of Meyer lemon and Oro Blanco grapefruit. Citrus in spades. Tannins are strong and pleasing to finish. This is still a winner. Maybe not as stunning as it was the first couple times I had it, but a perfect wine with white meats (including fish), shoshitos and lighter cheeses. — 3 years ago

AJ Gubser

8.9

Black cherry, plum, Mexican spiced chocolate, jerky, oak. Lots of ripe cherries and plums up front with med- acidity and med to med+ tannins that are a little course but offer good length. Hints of leather, dark chocolate, and black tea on the finish.

Ripe, but well structured with a deft touch in the cellar with oaking. Would probably be delicious with a steak. — 5 years ago

Tree Kilpatrick

9.1

It’s dark. Black-purple. Slightly edged in red. Nose is heady. Stewed fruits and dark unsweetened chocolate. Moss. Wet moss in there too. And some herbal extract. Not sure which. Flavor is rich. Slightly ‘sweet’ or fruity. Dark, ripe stone fruits. Plenty of acid cuts through though. Not stain the teeth and dry the tongue tannic as some Petite Sirah tends towards. There’s a smokey, savory element in there too. This is great. A big red, but one with elegance and style.
— 6 years ago

Tim Van Meter

9.3

Lovely, fruit forward — 6 years ago

Ray Quirolgico

9.0

Great for upscaling the outdoor amphitheater pre-theater picnic party - great with a variety of cheeses, almonds, dried fruits, crackers, and food truck entrees. — 7 years ago