Winemaker Notes
The Lloyd by Robert Lloyd Pinot Noir pours a vibrant ruby hue, revealing enticing aromas of black cherry, ripe raspberry, and a touch of baking spice. On the palate, it offers a harmonious blend of red and black berry flavors, complemented by notes of vanilla, cocoa, and a hint of earthiness. The mouthfeel is velvety and luxurious, with soft, well-integrated tannins balanced by a lively acidity that adds freshness and energy to the wine. The finish is long and elegant, leaving traces of fruit and subtle oak spice that linger gracefully.
Professional Ratings
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Tasting Panel
This earth mother is majestic and generous, with a broad reach of clave-kissed cherry and ripe plum. Lithe and energetic, with a refined acid structure that signals purity and freshness.
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James Suckling
This fragrant red has aromas of sweet spices, mocha, plums and blueberries. It’s ripe, juicy and medium- to full-bodied with supple tannins and a tasty finish.
Thin-skinned, finicky and temperamental, Pinot Noir is also one of the most rewarding grapes to grow and remains a labor of love for some of the greatest vignerons in Burgundy. Fairly adaptable but highly reflective of the environment in which it is grown, Pinot Noir prefers a cool climate and requires low yields to achieve high quality. Outside of France, outstanding examples come from in Oregon, California and throughout specific locations in wine-producing world. Somm Secret—André Tchelistcheff, California’s most influential post-Prohibition winemaker decidedly stayed away from the grape, claiming “God made Cabernet. The Devil made Pinot Noir.”
A superior source of California Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills is the coolest, westernmost sub-region of the larger Santa Ynez Valley appellation within Santa Barbara County. This relatively new AVA is unquestionably one to keep an eye on.
The climate of Sta. Rita Hills is a natural match for Chardonnay and Pinot noir, thanks to the crisp ocean breezes and well-drained, limestone-rich calcareous soil. Here, grapes ripen just enough, while retaining brisk acidity and harmonious balance.