2023 Beringer Napa Valley Chardonnay

Tasting Notes

This Chardonnay is refreshing and expressive, opening with aromas of Asian pear that lead into bright citrus notes. The palate is lush yet balanced, showcasing riper tropical flavors of white peach, orange blossom, and creamy lemon meringue. Vibrant acidity carries through a long, mouthwatering finish, accented by refined hints of white pepper and nutmeg. Subtle oak influence adds layers of vanilla and toasted brioche, all seamlessly integrated with the bright Chardonnay fruit. The result is a beautifully balanced, classically styled Napa Valley Chardonnay with finesse and precision.

Growing Season

Mild conditions allowed the vines and grapes to progress at a slow-and-steady pace, resulting in an unprecedented late harvest running mid-September to the middle of October. Several grape varieties ripened at the same time, but our dedicated cellar team and harvest interns overcame the challenges ensuring the success of this remarkable vintage. These exceptionally fresh wines are characterized by excellent acidity, vibrant color, and rich texture. Grapes for the 2023 Napa Valley Chardonnay were picked September 15–October 14, 2023.

Vineyards

Beringer’s Napa Valley Chardonnay vineyards span select sub-appellations in the southern Napa Valley, where cooling fog from the San Pablo Bay moves north most evenings during the growing season. This maritime influence moderates temperatures and extends the maturation period, allowing flavors to develop with balance and precision. The majority of the 2023 blend is sourced from the Oakville AVA, contributing ripe fruit and richness, complemented by fruit from the Oak Knoll and Los Carneros AVAs. Together, these vineyards yield Chardonnays with layered fruit expression and naturally vibrant acidity.

Winemaking

The Chardonnay was harvested during the late night and coolest hours of the early morning to preserve freshness before arriving at the cellar for a gentle, expedited pressing. The juice underwent a 48-hour cold settling to ensure clarity prior to fermentation. Fermentation took place in 30% new French oak at cool temperatures, maintaining delicate aromatics and vibrant fruit character. Occasional lees stirring (bâtonnage) contributed to a luxurious mouthfeel and creamy texture through yeast autolysis. A partial malolactic fermentation softened the acidity while retaining brightness and freshness.

Specs

• Vintage: 2023
• Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
• Harvest Dates: September 15 - October 14
• Sourcing: 82% Oakville, 17% Oak Knoll, 1% Los Carneros
• Vinification: Fermented and aged in French oak (30% new); Partial malolactic fermentation
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• TA: 5.8 g/l
• pH: 3.42

What’s Included

6-bottles:

• 6x - 2023 Beringer Napa Valley Chardonnay

Case:

• 12x - 2023 Beringer Napa Valley Chardonnay

Price Comparison

Not for sale on winery website, $288/case MSRP

About The Winery

• Winery: Beringer Winery
• Founded: 1876 by Jacob and Frederick Beringer
• Location: Napa Valley

In 2026, Beringer Vineyards proudly marks 150 years as Napa Valley’s longest continuously operating winery—a legacy built on vision, craftsmanship and innovation since 1876. This milestone is more than an anniversary; it’s a tribute to generations of winemakers, the beauty of Napa Valley, and the enduring spirit that shaped California wine.

Beringer is known for establishing many ‘firsts’ as leaders in the wine industry. We were one of the first gravity fed facilities and among the first to operate using hand-dug caves and cellars. We were the first to give public tours in 1934, starting a Napa Valley hospitality tradition. We are the first and only winery to have both a red and a white wine named #1 Wine of the Year by Wine Spectator Magazine.

Available States

AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY

Estimated Delivery

Monday, Jun 1 - Tuesday, Jun 2

2023 Beringer Napa Valley Chardonnay
6 bottles for $94.99 15.83/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $159.99 $13.33/bottle + $1/bottle shipping

We were notified we won the Lab Rat lottery (Thanks Mat et al.) It arrived Wednesday and went into the fridge.

Thursday we had 4 for late afternoon wine & cheese & so checked out the Beringer 2023 Chardonnay. Pop & pour revealed a light golden color and bright aromas of pear and/or green apple. The taste was again tart apple, & pear with some also getting pineapple. Good acidity with crisp initial mouth feel. A long finish with a taste we couldn’t identify - less acidic - more oily.

While certainly enjoyable by itself, this really shined with cheeses (fontina, gouda & cheddar) & crackers. (We had Mexican planned for supper & so skipped that.) One of us thought this was just okay - nothing very bad or good. The other three liked it much better that that and would recommend it. Overall, we think this is a clean, well balanced Chard that can be enjoyed by itself or with the right foods.