93pts 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. Drink now.

92pts Vinous 

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.

90pts Wine Spectator

Fragrant, sleek and juicy, showing pomelo, lime and pear flavors. Offers accents of fleur de sel and lemongrass, with a hint of orange blossoms. Drink now.

90pts Wine Enthusiast

Mouthwatering and flavorful, enlivening acidity in this wine wash the mouth with flavors of tropical fruit and lime pith. A chalky texture adds allure through a long finish. 

Tasting Notes

This enchanting vintage of Luminus opens with a delicate nose of Meyer lemon, citrus peel, apple blossom, and perfumed jasmine. On the palate, the fruit is bright and lively with notes of lemon curd, Asian pear, and zesty apple, supported by a flinty, savory mineral character. Medium-bodied with a round, balanced, and elegant texture, a fresh line of acidity drives length and offers a mouthwateringly crisp, refreshing finish. The nuanced French oak treatment offers a lifted brioche toastiness while the bâttonage (lees stirring) adds a richer, creamier mouthfeel that is silky and viscous. Thirst-quenching and quaffable on its own, it’s also an ideal accompaniment to lighter fare and savory treats.

Vineyard Notes

Luminus is a single-vineyard Chardonnay from Big Ranch Vineyard in the Oak Knoll AVA. Located on the valley floor and at the southern end of Napa Valley, Big Ranch is an ideal location for this style of Chardonnay. The heavy clay soils, along with the cooling influence of San Pablo Bay and the nearby Napa River, preserve nice acidity and minerality in the grapes. A selection of Burgundian clones which show excellent early development provides an elegant complexity and fruit weight to the blend.