Coming on the heels of the now-sold-out Penfolds Max’s Chardonnay feeding frenzy this week comes another that could, conceivably, ignite a similar stampede of people anxious to fill their larders with cases of overachieving Chardonnay. The price point is a little different, but you simply can’t argue with the value!  Coming solely from Beringer’s Big Ranch Road Vineyard at the southern end of the Napa Valley in the Oak Knoll District, this is one of Beringer’s top wines and, for a winery that has produced some amazing Chardonnays over the decades (centuries, to be more accurate), certainly among its most distinctive.  Sleek and cool for a Napa Chard, the oak is beautifully integrated into a middle- to full-weight palate that emphasizes Chards prettier florals and minerals with hints of clove, nutmeg and yellow cherry.  Not a ‘big’ wine, per se, but not at all light either, it’s really remarkably well balanced. I think this will do wonderful service as an aperitif for Chard lovers that will carry over very well into richer white fish and poultry preparations.  Classy wine, my friends, and, for as long as we have it, extremely well priced.  Only a little over 3000 cases produced.

James Suckling:  Mandarin orange, quince and apple blossom with cheese rind, almonds, baking spices and a touch of saline minerality. Medium-bodied with very bright, crisp acidity. Beautiful harmony and freshness to it. Aged for eight months in 10% new French oak barrels. 93 points
Vinous Media: The 2022 Chardonnay Luminus is a rich, dynamic white. Orchard fruit, white flowers, mint and a kiss of French oak are front and center. There’s terrific texture and depth. Lifted floral overtones add character to the finish. 92 points