Tasted blind, presented by Sue Bell. I picked Riesling, Australian and missed Porongurups WA. A brilliant Riesling made by Rob Diletti at Castle Rock WA. Lovely aromatics of Musk and Bath Talc. At 5 years the acid had settled and the citrus was going towards stone fruit. Really enjoyed this. — 5 years ago
Rockmelon, banana and lychees. Delicious. — a year ago
What a saga to get this delivered to me in NJ. Worth it. Love Andre Mack. Love his winery. Love this wine. — 4 years ago
Truly enjoyed — 5 years ago
Very solid and authentic pinot. Funky savoury nose full or cedar spice and forest floor. Good weight. Lively. Nice pure sweet strawberry and red cherry flavour profile - similar to Giant Steps, but with high toned acid. Buy — 4 years ago
Combines a lot of wine profiles in this blend. Fruity without being overly sweet. Healthy amount of tannins. Reminds me of a Barbera d’asti maybe, but with a Syrah mouthfeel. Andre Mack knows what he is doing. — 4 years ago
Great wine gift from Rob! — 5 years ago
Freddy R. Troya
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! — 20 days ago