![Arietta "On The White Keys" Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon 2022 (Sonoma Mountain / Napa Valley, California) - [TWI 95]](http://artisan.wine/cdn/shop/products/2021-arietta-on-the-white-keys-_sm-1658171204224_{width}x.png?v=1678749839)
Arietta "On The White Keys" Sauvignon Blanc-Semillon 2022
(Sonoma Mountain / Napa Valley, California) - [TWI 95]
Regular price $80.00 Sale price $76.97 Save $3.03
Notes from the Winemaker:
The Arietta White Wine “On The White Keys” is a blend of hillside Sauvignon Blanc and old vine Semillon. We ferment and age the White Keys for nine months in a combination of new and second-use oak and stainless steel barrels. The label incorporates the manuscript of the Arietta movement from Beethoven’s last piano sonata, Opus 111. The key to the name “On The White Keys” is the melody of the Arietta theme, played entirely on the piano's white keys.
Notes by Arietta winemaker Andy Erickson: "It seems as though the most challenging years for the grapevines can deliver the most compelling wines. In 2021, the lack of rain forced the vines to look deep for the nourishment they needed to ripen a small but very intense crop. Cool late-season weather patterns helped the fruit develop fully while maintaining a remarkable level of acidity and aromatic expression. The Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon wines showed promise from the start—tropical and citrus tones, pit fruits, white flowers, and a full spectrum of delicious fruit flavors. The energy of the Sauvignon Blanc is barely tempered by a generous addition of Semillon 13%), which broadens the wine and adds a honey component, while still allowing the bright glow of the Sauvignon Blanc to carry the day. This wine is exceptional now and will certainly evolve in the bottle, one can only guess how enjoyable it will be in 3 or 4 years.”
Blend: 87% Sauvignon Blanc, 13% Semillon
Fruit Sources: 87% Sonoma Mountain, 13% Napa
Elevage: Barrel fermented and aged nine months in 33% new French oak, 46% second use French oak, 21% stainless steel
Production: 364 cases
Notes by Arietta winemaker Andy Erickson: "It seems as though the most challenging years for the grapevines can deliver the most compelling wines. In 2021, the lack of rain forced the vines to look deep for the nourishment they needed to ripen a small but very intense crop. Cool late-season weather patterns helped the fruit develop fully while maintaining a remarkable level of acidity and aromatic expression. The Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon wines showed promise from the start—tropical and citrus tones, pit fruits, white flowers, and a full spectrum of delicious fruit flavors. The energy of the Sauvignon Blanc is barely tempered by a generous addition of Semillon 13%), which broadens the wine and adds a honey component, while still allowing the bright glow of the Sauvignon Blanc to carry the day. This wine is exceptional now and will certainly evolve in the bottle, one can only guess how enjoyable it will be in 3 or 4 years.”
Blend: 87% Sauvignon Blanc, 13% Semillon
Fruit Sources: 87% Sonoma Mountain, 13% Napa
Elevage: Barrel fermented and aged nine months in 33% new French oak, 46% second use French oak, 21% stainless steel
Production: 364 cases
Ratings & Reviews
95 Points - The Wine Independent:
The 2022 On The White Keys is a blend of 87% Sauvignon Blanc and 13% Semillon, aged in equal proportions of new oak, used oak, and stainless steel. It prances out with showy notes of lemon curd, juicy white peaches, and fresh pineapple giving way to hints of wet slate, elderflower, and honeysuckle. The medium to full-bodied palate is fantastically intense, with a crisp backbone and satiny texture, finishing long and citrusy.
96 Points -Jeb Dunnuck (2021 v.):
96 Points -Jeb Dunnuck (2021 v.):
The 2021 White Wine On The White Keys is more expressive and fruit-forward, with a kiss of tropical fruits as well as honeyed flowers and spice. The purity here is terrific, and the wine is medium to full-bodied, with a supple, elegant mouthfeel and a great finish. Based on 87% Sauvignon Blanc and 13% Semillon, it's another brilliant wine from this team.
95 Points - James Suckling (2021 v.):
So much going on in this exotic and intense blend of 87% sauvignon blanc and 13% semillon. Tropical and ripe, with jack fruit, guava, spices and dried golden berries. Creamy, medium-to full-bodied palate that’s shimmering with energy.
So much going on in this exotic and intense blend of 87% sauvignon blanc and 13% semillon. Tropical and ripe, with jack fruit, guava, spices and dried golden berries. Creamy, medium-to full-bodied palate that’s shimmering with energy.
94 Points - Vinous Media (2021 v.):
"The 2021 On The White Keys is a pretty rich wine, much of that a result of tiny yields. Orchard fruit, white flowers, chamomile, sage and a kiss of French oak fill out the layers. Creamy and expansive, the 2021 is flat-out gorgeous. It's one of the best vintages I can remember tasting. 2022-2028." -AG (10/22)