Beringer Chardonnay Luminus Oak Knoll District Napa Valley 2020

Beringer is right up there with the most historic wineries in California’s centuries of wine production. This wine is an exceptionally polished, small-production chardonnay from a single vineyard in the heart of Napa Valley. 95 POINTS and 25% OFF! Now that’s what we’re talking about!

Luminus (Latin for “light”) is crafted from the Big Ranch Vineyard just north of the town of Napa. Set in rich alluvial clay soils adjacent to the cooling influences of the Napa River, this is an ideal home for classic California chardonnay. Barrel fermented and aged, with 28% new French oak, this wine maintains its lightness and purity by preventing any secondary fermentation (ie, no buttery notes) and creating texture through vigorous, weekly batonnage sessions – mixing the yeast cells and lees throughout the barrel to add weight and creaminess. 

The wine is bursting with lively aromas of honeysuckle, white grapefruit, and navel orange. As things develop on the palate, notes of apricot, golden Gala apples, and lemon curd are joined with cardamom, cinnamon, roasted almond, and orange peel. The panoply of fruit and spice is moderated with crisp acidity and a finish of chipped flint and struck matchsticks. Amazing complex chardonnay that has years of staying power, but perfect with king crab and drawn butter tonight! At this price, make sure to grab a few, at least!