Robert Lloyd Vineyards
Lloyd Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
Sta. Rita Hills, Central Coast, California, USA
Big, big, big, fruit. Big, big, big oak. For fans of the, wait for it... "style."
Big, big, big, fruit. Big, big, big oak. For fans of the, wait for it... "style."
1 person found it helpfulJul 3rd, 2016
Robert Lloyd, for those who don't know, last spent his wine making career at Rombaer winery, making fantastic zinfandel and cabs, and the buttery - est chardonnay you've ever had. Now, his new venture, his own winery, had produced some absolutely outstanding pinot out of the up and coming Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. Mulled berries and clove spiced fragrances on the nose, and a very dark ruby color. Dark cherry, dark raspberry and flat cola on it heavy weight pallet, and an enticing finish of vanilla bean and milk chocolate, and a touch of cracked pepper. Starting to really appreciate Santa Lucia.
Robert Lloyd, for those who don't know, last spent his wine making career at Rombaer winery, making fantastic zinfandel and cabs, and the buttery - est chardonnay you've ever had. Now, his new venture, his own winery, had produced some absolutely outstanding pinot out of the up and coming Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. Mulled berries and clove spiced fragrances on the nose, and a very dark ruby color. Dark cherry, dark raspberry and flat cola on it heavy weight pallet, and an enticing finish of vanilla bean and milk chocolate, and a touch of cracked pepper. Starting to really appreciate Santa Lucia.
Feb 21st, 2016Slightly cloudy, possible stem inclusion, great earth
Slightly cloudy, possible stem inclusion, great earth
Nov 14th, 2014
Lloyd by Robert Lloyd – Pinot Noir – 2019
Sta. Rita Hills AVA – Santa Barbara County – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
100% Pinot Noir from the cool, wind-swept Sta. Rita Hills, known for producing concentrated, intensely flavored wines. This vintage leans toward a richer, more powerful expression while maintaining varietal character.
Aromas & Flavors
Ripe red and black berries, cherry compote, cedar, vanilla, and baking spices with a touch of clove and cola.
Mouthfeel
Fuller-bodied for Pinot Noir with warm fruit, medium acidity, and firm, well-structured tannins. Generous but balanced, with a lingering spicy finish.
Food Pairings
Grilled salmon, pork tenderloin, duck breast, mushroom pizza, or truffle pasta.
Verdict
A bold, flavorful Sta. Rita Hills Pinot with depth, warmth, and structure. Ideal for those who enjoy a richer, more extracted style without losing elegance.
Did You Know?
Sta. Rita Hills is one of California’s most acclaimed Pinot regions, thanks to maritime winds that slow ripening and concentrate flavor, a key reason why the AVA consistently produces high-impact, age-worthy Pinots.
Lloyd by Robert Lloyd – Pinot Noir – 2019
Sta. Rita Hills AVA – Santa Barbara County – USA 🇺🇸
Overview
100% Pinot Noir from the cool, wind-swept Sta. Rita Hills, known for producing concentrated, intensely flavored wines. This vintage leans toward a richer, more powerful expression while maintaining varietal character.
Aromas & Flavors
Ripe red and black berries, cherry compote, cedar, vanilla, and baking spices with a touch of clove and cola.
Mouthfeel
Fuller-bodied for Pinot Noir with warm fruit, medium acidity, and firm, well-structured tannins. Generous but balanced, with a lingering spicy finish.
Food Pairings
Grilled salmon, pork tenderloin, duck breast, mushroom pizza, or truffle pasta.
Verdict
A bold, flavorful Sta. Rita Hills Pinot with depth, warmth, and structure. Ideal for those who enjoy a richer, more extracted style without losing elegance.
Did You Know?
Sta. Rita Hills is one of California’s most acclaimed Pinot regions, thanks to maritime winds that slow ripening and concentrate flavor, a key reason why the AVA consistently produces high-impact, age-worthy Pinots.
Plum, soil. Rather a lower abv in a Pinot. Juice not worth the squeeze, despite the appellation.
Plum, soil. Rather a lower abv in a Pinot. Juice not worth the squeeze, despite the appellation.
Jan 15th, 2024
We had the 2016 Vintage on 1/8-9/21. Blackberry, black cherry, cola and vanilla on the palate. A fruit forward, medium bodied wine.
We had the 2016 Vintage on 1/8-9/21. Blackberry, black cherry, cola and vanilla on the palate. A fruit forward, medium bodied wine.
Jan 9th, 2021
Full bodied and lots of fruit, not like the burgundy or NZ Pinot’s we tasted, but delicious.
Full bodied and lots of fruit, not like the burgundy or NZ Pinot’s we tasted, but delicious.
Dec 13th, 2019Big full body jammy BlackBerry strawberry raspberry and cherry flavors. Definitely a big Cali style pinot.
Big full body jammy BlackBerry strawberry raspberry and cherry flavors. Definitely a big Cali style pinot.
Aug 9th, 2019
Master of Wine, Educator Constellation Brands
Lovely ripe fruit. A bit warm on the finish. Would prefer more elegance.
Lovely ripe fruit. A bit warm on the finish. Would prefer more elegance.
Jul 7th, 2014
Napa valley bistro, no male pero nada CRAZY!
Napa valley bistro, no male pero nada CRAZY!
Nov 23rd, 2016