Arietta 2020 On the White Keys Proprietary White Blend, Napa Valley 95 Points

Vinous 94 Points: “The 2020 On The White Keys is bright and beautifully textured, with lovely depth and class that is apparent right out of the gate. I would give the 2020 white at least a year or two in bottle, as it truly needs time to emerge. There is a lot of personality here. This fruit is sourced from the Farina vineyard on Sonoma Mountain.”

Winery Notes: ““On the White Keys is crafted in tribute to our favorite white wines from Graves and Entre-Deux-Mers, the goal to produce a wine with great structure, depth, and ageability .  The Arietta White Wine On The White Keys 2020 is “on point,” brilliant, drier than the 2019, with more finesse and a higher proportion of Sauvignon Blanc than 2019. We are dazzled by the purity and crystalline nature of the final blend of this wine.”

Notes: “The Arietta White Wine “On the White Keys” is a blend of hillside Sauvignon Blanc and old vine Semillon. The wine is fermented and aged 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, which is played in its entirety on the white keys of the piano.  The wine presents a vivid spectrum of aromas and flavors, delivered in high definition. Candied citrus peel, flint, lemongrass and Thai basil are only a few of the descriptors that come to mind as the wine opens in the glass. This aromatic intensity is matched by the wine’s brilliant gold color. On the palate, the wine is nothing if not incredibly generous, fresh and energetic, having a near-electric quality. Flavors of bergamot, lemon curd, and vanilla bean are held together by an impressive lattice of phenolic strength and complex oak tannin and toast

FMW 95 Points: “This is a beautiful blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Musque and Sémillon made by winemaker Andy Erickson. Inspired by Bordeaux, it shows high-toned aromas of Meyer lemon and lemongrass with a flinty undertone and juicy acidity. Layered, complex and textured, it is floral, earthy and balanced, a gorgeous expression of the grapes.”