2024 Lloyd by Robert Lloyd Carneros Chardonnay

Lloyd Cellars was founded by Rob and Bonnie Lloyd with a simple mission: to make the wines we love – big, flavorful, and deeply connected to California’s best vineyards. While you may not know or recognize Rob Lloyd's name, you certainly know of the wines he's made in the past. Rob was previously the winemaker at Rombauer and La Crema where he created a style of Chardonnay that is appreciated and loved by many.

From the heart of Napa Valley, they partner with passionate growers in Carneros, Sta. Rita Hills, Clarksburg, and the North Coast to craft expressive, small-lot wines that punch way above their weight.

At Lloyd Cellars, commitment meets craftsmanship. Each vintage reflects hand-picked fruit, small yields, and minimal intervention—not just to tell the story of place, but to amplify it.

Operating from a boutique facility, where every lot is fermented separately and aged with precision, the team focuses on quality over quantity: fewer than 3,000 cases per vintage, each selected through rigorous barrel tastings and built for longevity. This isn’t about following trends—it’s about making bold California wines that stand the test of time.

2024 Lloyd Chardonnay comes from Sangiacomo Vineyards in Carneros, a partnership Rob has maintained for more than two decades. Sangiacomo's blocks sit at the cool southern edge of the appellation, where morning fog off the San Pablo Bay keeps the growing season long and the acidity intact.

The wine is barrel fermented and goes through full malolactic fermentation, then spends time in American oak. That process builds the rich, creamy texture Rob is known for. What separates this wine is the balance. Most Chardonnays made in this style sacrifice acidity for weight. This one doesn't. The Carneros fruit brings enough natural acidity that the oak and the fruit hold each other in check, and the result is a wine that's full-bodied without being flat.

Lush and layered yet vibrant, it delivers creamy depth, ripe fruit, and a toasty, lingering finish—power and polish in one definitive California Chardonnay. If you love Rombauer, you’ll find plenty to adore here.