Winemaker Notes
A recent vertical tasting of On the White Keys showed the great promise of these wines for bottle aging, back to the first vintages made more than a decade ago. The 2016 vintage will be no exception. Years in the bottle will add depth and interest to the wine, but right now the fresh, pure fruit character is seductive. Our longtime sources of fruit for the White Keys are hillside Sauvignon Blanc from the Farina Vineyard on Sonoma Mountain, and Sauvignon Musque and Semillon from the Hyde Vineyard on the Napa side of Carneros.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2016 On The White Keys is rocking stuff. Loaded with notions of lemon curd, honeyed citrus, brioche, and a kiss of sappy flowers, it’s deep, medium-bodied, and concentrated on the palate, with terrific purity. It should keep for 3-5 years, although there’s no need to delay gratification.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMPOSITION: One of the most fascinating and delicious wines I have tasted this year. The 2016 Arietta On the White Keys White Blend zinged brightly on my palate. This was my first introduction to the Arietta wines, but it will not be the last. This winery is now on my list of wineries to follow. TASTING NOTES: This wine is fresh, bright, and lasting. Its aromas and flavors of dried citrus peel and ripe melon make it a perfect pairing choice with lightly smoked oysters. (Tasted: September 17, 2018, San Francisco, CA)
Sometimes light and crisp, other times rich and creamy, Bordeaux White Blends typically consist of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Often, a small amount of Muscadelle or Sauvignon Gris is included for added intrigue. Popularized in Bordeaux, the blend is often mimicked throughout the New World. Somm Secret—Sauternes and Barsac are usually reserved for dessert, but they can be served before, during or after a meal. Try these sweet wines as an aperitif with jamón ibérico, oysters with a spicy mignonette or during dinner alongside hearty Alsatian sausage.
Known for elegant wines that combine power and finesse, Carneros is set in the rolling hills that straddle the southernmost parts of both Sonoma and Napa counties. The cooling winds from the abutting San Pablo Bay, combined with lots of midday California sunshine, create an ideal environment for producing wines with a perfect balance of crisp acidity and well-ripened fruit.
This cooler pocket of California lends itself to growing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Carneros is an important source of sparkling wines made in the style of Champagne as well.