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

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. — 2 years ago

ESF

9.1

unusual blend of Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot & Teroldego (!) and it was really impressive. color of squid ink w/wafting aromas of blackberry pie, boysenberry, plum, Chambord, cassis, cocoa powder, vanilla and some pepper. one of the more decadent wines on the nose, and the flavors created a saturated palate - that said, didn't taste like a fruit bomb, nicely structured w/integrated tannins. it may have lacked a bit of polish, but over delivered for $13 @costco — 5 months ago

Daniel Sullivan

9.6

Translucent ruby-garnet color.
Bright red cherry nose with subtle baking spice oak notes.
Tangy mineral acidity with chalky velvety tannins on finish. — 2 years ago

Walt M Britt

9.2

85% Clarksburg, Yolo County 15% Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County. — 4 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

David Tropiano

9.5

Excellent. — 9 months 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? — a year ago

Dana Brown

9.4

Very into it — 3 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