A 100% barrel-fermented, relatively new offering is the 2012 Chardonnay Luminus, which is made from Dijon clones from the Oak Knoll appellation. A brilliant example of Chardonnay, it comes across as a first-growth Chassagne-Montrachet or Meursault. Aromas of honeysuckle, hazelnut and buttered citrus are followed by a medium-bodied white with admirable fruit intensity, decent acidity and nicely integrated wood. This cuvee is put through partial rather than full malolactic, and that appears to preserve a lot of vibrancy and freshness. - Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Beringer reaches into the cool, southerly Oak Knoll district of Napa Valley for this dry Chardonnay, which shows tart flavors of lemons, apples, limes and minerals. It’s an elegant Chard, light but complex, with beautiful acidity and just a touch of oak. Dungeness crab with buttered sourdough bread would be a perfect pairing.