Somm Journal, October-November 2022
“The neat thing is that if you’re at a restaurant and [they’re] pouring [Prescription] by the glass, that CO2 that’s naturally in there is going to preserve the wine so that if you don’t finish the bottle and you pour it next day, it’s still going to taste really fresh,” says Prescription’s winemaker, Rob Lloyd.
Somm Journal, April-May 2022
“I like big Chards and I cannot lie,” replied winemaker/proprietor Rob Lloyd when Leicht commented that Lloyd is beloved in the industry for his big, rich California Chardonnays. The Sir Mix-a-Lot reference might have gone over some attendees’ heads, but they certainly did not miss Lloyd’s background: Over the past few decades, the University of California, Davis, master’s grad made wine for the likes of Cakebread, Rombauer, and La Crema before establishing Lloyd Cellars and his own consulting business with his wife, Bonnie, in 2008.
Somm Journal, February – March 2022
Joel Quigley, Director of communications and marketing for California brands Lloyd Cellars and Prescription Wines, is feeling celebratory these days. The latter label recently inked a deal with Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) for distribution in Texas, a state that ranks fourth in U.S. wine consumption behind California, Florida, and New York. And Quigley knows that Texans, speaking broadly, have a taste for lush, bright Chardonnays and juicy, velvety Cabernet Sauvignons—which is just what the doctor ordered, as those flavor profiles happen to be Prescription’s specialties.
Somm Journal, December 2021 – January 2022
Our Balancing Act: Chardonnay at its best. Webinar examined how style manifests in the glass.
It was fitting to commence the webinar with a tasting of Lloyd Cellars Carneros Chardonnay, as winemaker/ proprietor Rob Lloyd has been focused on the grape for most of his career, having worked at not one but two Chardonnay powerhouses, Rombauer and La Crema. But in 2008, with a little encouragement from his wife, Bonnie, Lloyd took a risk and opened his own winery, the Napa-based Lloyd Cellars, as well as a consulting firm.
While Chardonnay can provoke strong opinions amongst wine lovers, the grape itself is inherently neutral. The many flavors and nuances commonly associated with it are derived from terroir, winemaking, and aging. Relatively easy to cultivate in a wide range of micro-climates, it is chameleon-like and malleable to both vineyard conditions and winery regimen.
In this “Balancing Act” webinar hosted by Lars Leicht of The SOMM Journal and Andrea Robinson, MS, a diverse group of winemakers educates viewers about the unique terroirs and winemaking techniques that help bring out the best in their Chardonnays. Following introductions, Rob is the first winemaker interviewed.
In the spirit of continuing education for beverage professionals and consumers, The SOMM Journal — in association with National Geographic and SommCon — invites our members and trade partners to participate in a complimentary, one-of-a-kind wine-tasting webinar series entitled Geographical Digest. The events are hosted virtually by winemakers from across the globe and broadcast live. Videos of the webinars are available on-demand soon after airing.
Winemaker Rob Lloyd will be featured in two of the eight webinars for 2021. For the May 11th webinar, Rob will be speaking to Sta. Rita Hills AVA where we source our Pinot Noir. In the fall, on September 14th, he’ll speak to the Carneros Region and our Chardonnay. We’ll be sharing registration details in the coming weeks!
May 11th 2021 @ 9:00am PT
National Geographic “Pinot Noir: Aspects from Delicacy to Durability“ Webinar, moderated by Master of Wine Andrea Robinson, in association with the Somm Foundation
Winemaker Rob Lloyd to Speak to Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir
September 14th 2021 @ 9:00am PT
National Geographic “Balancing Act: Chardonnay at its Best’ Webinar
in association with the Somm Foundation
Winemaker Rob Lloyd to Speak to Carneros Chardonnay
For the first time since 2011, National Geographic Books has fully updated The New Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia, the comprehensive guide for enophiles now in its sixth edition. The launch of the highly anticipated New Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia by National Geographic Books was the catalyst for the innovative approach and synergies among industry leaders in their categories.
This essential reference—long used as the go-to text for the prestigious Master Sommelier examination—is the most comprehensive guide to the world of wine, featuring authoritative information on related history, culture, geography, and more. (Source: Tasting Panel Magazine)
