This earned 95 points in the 2016 vintage (a lighter and less perfectly ripe and balanced one than this) from sommelier Thomas Stafford, who said:
The 2016 Lloyd Prescription Chardonnay has a deep golden color with pronounced scents of baked yellow apples, cooked pineapple, and vanilla. The palate is intense and rich with butterscotch, toasted oak and caramelized pears. Just sit back, relax, take it all in and have someone bring you a small bowl of creamy corn chowder with a touch of micro tarragon. I promise it will blow your mind.
The 2017 was even richer, and the 2018 and 2019 more so – but this newly released 2021 looks to be clearly the best Prescription yet.
In fact, the Tasting Panel rates it the best Prescription ever at 92 points, saying:
Sourced from a single grower, this white—which underwent 95% malolactic fermentation in stainless steel with some oak treatment—is a definite cure for the common Chardonnay. Aromas of baked apple and tapioca precede mouthwatering notes of guava, creamed corn, cookie dough, and lemon blossom.
As does the Somm Journal:
Enhanced by notes of chervil, oregano, and chamomile, luscious lemon meringue defines the mid-palate. Crushed stone, white pepper, vibrant minerality, and a spark of acidity amount to just the right Rx for great food pairing.
Of course, it’s also from the winemaker, Rob Lloyd, who brought Rombauer into prominence, and definitely expresses his preference for very rich and ripe (yet not too oaky) Chardonnay.
