Arietta On the White Keys “Artists’ Reserve” 2012
The 2012 On the White Keys “Artists’ Reserve” spent more than two years in barrel, equally divided between new and second use French Oak and stainless steel. The extended time in barrel polishes the surface of the wine, and gives it greater intensity and “cut.” Fanciers of grand cru White Bordeaux tend to prefer this style.
Winemaker Andy Erickson notes:
“After nearly thirty months in barrel, the 2012 Arietta On the White Keys “Artist’s Reserve” has a singular character. With time, the wine has developed a mouthwatering, briny profile, with notes of kaffir lime, agave nectar, and lemongrass on the palate. Comprised of 91% Sauvignon Blanc and 9% Semillon, this blend was assembled after nearly a year of age, then put back to neutral oak barrels for extended aging. This process has allowed a myriad of secondary aromas and flavors to develop, leaving only hints of the young, primary fruit, and bringing the above-mentioned notes to the fore, along with other complexities, including notes of graphite and smoke. This is an exciting wine that will continue to evolve with years in the bottle.”
Blend: 91% Sauvignon Blanc, 9% semillon
Fruit sources: Hyde Vineyard, Rancho Chimiles
Cooperage: Barrel fermented and aged in 39% new French Oak, 31% stainless steel, 30% second use oak for the first nine months, then racked into second use French oak barrels for a further twenty months of aging
Production: 170 cases
Price: $85