Sourced from a single vineyard in the vicinity of Oak Knoll, the 2021 Chardonnay Luminus was fermented at cooler temperatures, matured in only 10% new oak and features only a small proportion of malolactic fermentation. There are hints of sweet corn on the nose (not my favorite thing In Chardonnay), then notes of pear, melon and citrus. It's medium to full-bodied, plump and juicy, then a bit crisper on the finish, with an attractive hint of chalk dust.

Beringer's 2020 Chardonnay Luminus is a barrel-fermented wine made in older oak and at cooler temperatures. Aimed at being a stylistic counterpart to the richer, more opulent Private Reserve style, it certainly does that, but it's a less interesting wine. Lemon and pear notes appear on the nose of this medium-bodied effort that's appealingly silky but not terribly generous or long.

The 2019 Chardonnay Luminus delivers notes of toasted almonds and spicy oak over a core of applesauce and poached pears with a touch of white pepper. Medium to full bodied, refreshing and delicately played, it finishes with uncomplicated spiced apples and pears flavors.

The 2018 Chardonnay Luminus features notions of Golden Delicious apple, fresh pears and lemon meringue pie with hints of honeysuckle, allspice, cedar and beeswax. Medium-bodied, the palate has great freshness and expression with a light kiss of oak complementing the stone fruit characters, finishing on a citrusy note. 3700 cases were made.

Aged in 50% French oak and 50% Hungarian oak (53% new) for nine months, the 2017 Chardonnay Luminus opens with honeydew melons, green guava and toasty oak scents with touches of spice cake and lemon meringue pie. Medium-bodied with a beautiful satiny texture, it has loads of subtle nuances and a refreshing finish. 4,912 cases produced, to be released in September 2019.