Arietta Artists’ Reserve “On the White Keys” 2015
The Arietta White Wine On The White Keys Artists’ Reserve 2015 hews to our model of grand cru white Bordeaux in its classic 80/20 proportion of Sauvignon Blanc to Semillon, extended aging in barrel (22 months compared to the White Keys’ 10 months), and greater oak polish. Arietta’s hillside blocks on Sonoma Mountain provide brilliantly intense Sauvignon Blanc, and famed Napa/Carneros grower Larry Hyde nurtures and preserves for us his oldest block of Semillon—three-quarters of an acre—which broadens the texture and adds sophistication to our White Keys wines.
Arietta winemaker Andy Erickson notes:
This very special bottling starts with our selection of the most promising barrels from the vintage, both of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The wine retains the freshness and acidity apparent in the fruit at harvest, but with this extended aging comes a rounding and lengthening on the palate, as well as added layers of complexity, and a savory tone that pairs incredibly well with rich culinary dishes. Aromas of baked peaches, wet stones, and vanilla bean meld together with citrus notes and bright floral tones. The wine has a firm structure and mouth-watering acidity, but broadens on the palate to notes of lemon curd, salted caramel, and notes of black truffle. This is a serious wine for lovers of white Bordeaux and other wines that can stand the test of time in the cellar.
Click here for Arietta On the White Keys Artists’ Reserve Reviews.
Blend: 50% Sauvignon Blanc, 50% Semillon
Fruit sources: Hyde Vineyard, Rancho Chimiles
Cooperage: Barrel fermented and aged in 83% new French Oak, 17% second use oak for the first nine months, then racked into second use French oak barrels for a further twelve months of aging
Production: 143 cases
Price: $85