2009 Arietta On The White Keys

(sauvignon blanc with 18% semillon; 30% of the wine went through malolactic fermentation): Lemon-yellow. Bright, pungent sauvignon blanc aroma of candied grapefruit peel combines nicely with honeyed semillon on the nose. Then sweet and aromatic in the mouth, with lovely freshness and acid grip to the flavors of pineapple, grapefruit, kiwi, ginger and lichee. Distinctly tropical but light on its feet and perfumed on the finish. This was entirely fermented in barrel, one-third stainless steel, one-third new oak and one-third neutral oak.

The 2009 On The White Keys is a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon put through full malolactic fermentation. It is a waxy, honeyed wine with some spicy oak to it and loads of personality and character. Don’t expect it to be one of those crisp, steely, flinty styles of Sauvignon and Semillon, but rather a crisper, more textured wine meant for accompanying far bolder flavored culinary dishes. It is provocative as well as interesting. Drink it over the next several years. This is an intriguing and provocative operation from wine personality Fritz Hatton, who is also a classical pianist and auctioneer. He has long had a winemaking association with well-known Napa consultant Andy Erickson. Tel. (707) 963-5918; fax (707) 963-5919