Winemaker Notes
Luminus features bright aromas of white flowers, star jasmine, honeysuckle and lemon zest. The captivating aromas lead to a flavorful and medium-bodied palate where white nectarine, essence of bergamot, lemon and lime notes mingle with creamy butterscotch and hazelnut nougat flavors. The judicious use of French oak lends a subtle nutty spice character. Bâttonage provides an unexpectedly plush mouthfeel, and bright acidity leaves a lingering, pleasant finish with hints of stone minerality.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Dried apricot, pineapple, lemon curd, crushed stones and some hay on the nose. It’s full-bodied and buttery with concentrated mineral and ripe-fruit layers. Some spice, too. Excellent length.
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Tasting Panel
Lit from within, notes of ginger, Anjou pear, lime sorbet, and sweet cream converge with a satiny mouthfeel. As the wine opens up, acidity and minerality come through along with a crispness on the finish that is in sync with toasty hints of butterscotch.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Chardonnay Luminus comes from the Oak Knoll District, which is a cooler region in the southern part of the valley. Brought up in 30% new French oak, it offers a beautiful bouquet of ripe Meyer lemons, white flowers, sappy herbs, and a touch of brioche. Nicely textured and medium-bodied, with both richness and freshness, this outstanding wine will keep for 2-4 years.
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Wine & Spirits
This chardonnay grows at Beringer’s Big Ranch Road Vineyard, where Oak Knoll cool tightens around the flashiness of the citrus flavors. Ripe orange and citrus pith flavors integrate the oak as the wine layers its flavors and lasts, a little floral, a little smoky and firm.
As California's longest continuously operating winery, Beringer has been defining Napa Valley winemaking since it was founded by Jacob and Frederick Beringer in 1876. By continuing that pioneering spirit, Beringer established many 'firsts' as leaders in the wine industry. They were one of the first gravity fed facilities and among the first to operate using hand dug caves and cellars. Beringer were the first to give public tours in 1934, starting a Napa Valley hospitality tradition. They are the first and only winery to have both a red and a white wine named #1 Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator Magazine. Today, they proudly celebrate and remain true to their pioneering legacy.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
As one of Napa’s coolest sub-appellations, the area begs for diversity among its vineyards. Merlot and Chardonnay firmly compete with Cabernet Sauvignon for a place here. Some of Napa’s best Zinfandels also come from the Oak Knoll District.
Situated far in Napa’s southern end, Oak Knoll receives a strong cooling influence from both the San Pablo Bay and the Pacific Coast’s evening fog and breezes. Summer days are warm but on average ten degrees cooler than in St. Helena farther north up the valley; summer nights are chilly. A long growing season promotes for leisurely ripening of grape berries, resulting in an impressive balance of sugars, phenols and acidity.
Notable producers include Trefethen, one of the appellation’s oldest wineries, Robert Biale, legendary Zinfandel producer and Lewis Cellars, a family-run, hands-on establishment.