Beringer Luminus Chardonnay 2012 Wine Review

Beringer Luminus Chardonnay 2012

California, United States

Community Score:91/100

Community Reviews: 8

Add My Review

Price: $55.95

Drink: 2014-2020

Bottle size: 750 ml

Alcohol: 14.3%

Sweetness: Extra Dry

Wine Type: White Wine

Winery: Beringer

Agent: Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits

Wine Expo 2014

Natalie's Score: 93/100

A beautiful Californian Chardonnay that is at once luscious and full-bodied, yet also fresh and vibrant. Aromas of tropical fruit and some toasted almond.

This Beringer Luminus Chardonnay 2012 was reviewed on April 16, 2015 by Natalie MacLean

More Vintages: 2022 2020 2019 2017 2016

Add New Vintage

Pricing & Stock Information

LCBO
395699
$55.95
Check Stock

BCLDB
826933
$30.01
Check Stock

ANBL
4090
$49.99
Check Stock

Reviews and Ratings

Jane Staples - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 93/100 with the following review:

Luminus(Latin for "light") is my favourite Beringer Chardonnay. 2012 was its debut in the Beringer collection, winning 93 pts. from Robert Parker. An elegant Chard made from Dijon clones grown in the Oak Knoll appellation. Aromatic honeysuckle, citrus and hazelnut on the nose, followed by bright tree fruit, citrus and understated oak exquisitely offering a satiny medium-bodied mouthfeel and great finish. I had the pleasure of also tasting the 2013 Luminus at the California Wine Fair, which was equally delightful. Reminds me of lovely French Burgundies.
April 2015.

Monique Sosa - Accredited Sommelier rated this wine as 93/100 with the following review:

Since my colleagues below have described to you where the wine comes from and a bit into the vine's heritage, I'll just tell you what I think it tastes like and why I like it so much ;-)

The bouquet is interestingly complex (for a white wine/for a Chardonnay!). The layers of aromas start with fresh apple (on the yellow delicious side), green pear, a little ripe peach, and bursting citrus peels. A few seconds later, the fruit changes. A little baking spice starts to creep out and the ripe apple & pear turns from fresh to cooked, the citrus tones down a bit and a hint of butterscotch starts to unravel. On the tongue, the marriage of all this is superb. Enough acidity is in tact, integrated and balance. A luscious rich buttery texture lingers on the tongue right through to a long yummy finish.

I tried it with shrimp cocktail and, while that was fantastic, I found the umami characters of the shrimp toned down the fruit and brought out more butterscotch (which didn't impress me very much). I am pretty excited to try it with seafood chowder though.

It's just brilliant...... for real!

Jennifer Havers - WSET Level 3 rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

This Luminous Chardonnay, sourced from the Oak Knoll district of Napa Valley has lovely aromas of pears (quite a lot actually), green apple and some caramel. Flavours were subtle and creamy, but showed a lot of body and mouth feel. Longer finish and overall very nicely balanced. I would enjoy this with a variety of dishes, but some pan seared scallops would be great!

Matt Steeves - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

The Luminus Chardonnay uses Dijon clones which produces an earlier ripening Chardonnay compared to traditional Napa clones. The result is an incredibly interesting wine that displays that textbook richness of a Napa Chardonnay, however, a Burgundian influence is noted with intriguing lees influence on the finished product. A beautiful golden yellow, the palate is creamy with golden apple, butter, and less that seem to last forever. A truly exceptional Chardonnay that would be sure to please both Burgundy and Napa lovers. Tasted April 2015. 91 points. Matt Steeves - www.quercusvino.ca

Heather Wall - CS; WSET Advanced rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Luminous: adjective - see also bright, clear, understandable. All fitting descriptors for this light to medium-bodied approachable Chardonnay from the Oak Knoll AVA of Napa Valley. This Luminus Chardonnay was crafted using Dijon clones - the net benefit being early ripening and early picking capturing more delicate flavours. Burgundian style lees stirring imparts a nutty, butter and toast character with a medium+ harmonious acidity. Long length on a butter and yeast finish. Easily sipped on it's own or pair with seafood, shellfish.
Tasted: April 14, 2015

Mary Anne van Gaal rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

This lovely golden Chardonnay is spring in a glass! Aromas of fresh grass and pear combine with smooth buttery flavours for a nice balance. I enjoyed it paired with a green salad but would also be great with mild fish dishes.

Nick Onischuk - Accredited Sommelier rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

The Beringer Luminus Chardonnay 2012 has to be one of my favourite Chardonnay’s that I have tried to date. This medium to full bodied wine features an amazing experience in your nose and palate. Citrus, green apple, pear and sweet buttery notes make it very enjoyable. (Score: 90, Nicholas Onischuk, Tasted April 14, 2015)

Community Reviewer reviewed this wine as follows:

WWF

Source: NB Liquor Stores

If you liked the Beringer Luminus Chardonnay 2012, you might also like these wines:

Add bottle and/or label shots for this wine
Wineries and agents: Add notes for this wine
Find this wine in other stores

Recipes for Beringer Luminus Chardonnay 2012

WANT TO LEARN HOW TO

PAIR WINE
& FOOD?

Join me in a free online video class to learn the secrets to perfect pairings.

SAVE MY SEAT!

Wine of the Week

As featured on

Charles Baker White Wine
Riesling 2021,
Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A. ...

Natalie MacLean

Natalie MacLean offers North America's most popular online wine and food pairing classes. She was named the World's Best Drinks Writer at the World Food Media Awards in Australia.

Natalie has published two books with Random House, both selected as one of Amazon's Best Books of the Year.

Join 333,836 thirsty wine lovers who get access to all of her wine reviews by becoming a member of her site. Take a free online pairing class with her here.

FEEL LOST IN THE

LCBO?

Know the wines you want before you even get to the store with my wine reviews. Join now. It's free.

Red, White & Drunk All Over

Best Books of the Year

Natalie MacLean writes about wine with a sensuous obsession... and often laugh-out-loud funny... Terrific.

Rex Pickett, Sideways

Ms. MacLean is the disarming Everywoman. She loves wine, loves drinking ... ultimately, it's a winning formula.

Eric Asimov, The New York Times

GOT A SMARTPHONE?

Access my reviews on mobile with the bar code scanner.

GET NAT'S APP

Unquenchable: A Tipsy Search

Best Books of the Year

Natalie MacLean is a new force in the wine writing world ‐ a feisty North American answer to Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson. She can write beautifully about wine.

The Financial Times of London

There are very few people in the wine world who "get it" and Natalie is one of those who brings more fun to a buttoned-up and stodgy game.

Gary Vaynerchuck, Wine Library TV

Starting a Wine Cellar?

Expert advice for all budgets

From wine racks to underground caves, insider tips on size and space, number of bottles, ideal conditions and reputable resources. learn more

Welcome Back!Sign in here:

Not Registered?Become one of our thirsty clan 333,836 strong:

Beringer Luminus Chardonnay 2012 Wine Review

Natalie's Score: 93/100

Pricing & Stock Information