Lloyd 2024 Chardonnay, Carneros

A fantastic boutique Chardonnay from Rob LLoyd who previously made Rombauer Chardonnay. Highly recommended. The 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. Sourced from the Kister, Home and Green Acres Blocks from Sangiacomo Vineyard, as well as a small amount of fruit from the Truchard Vineyard, this is a fantastic expression of big, rich California Chardonnay. Layers of tropical fruits, pear and apple are supported by rich notes of vanillin leading into a powerful and succulent finish.