Since I have seen so many postings of Arcadian Pinots lately, I figured I would join in on the fun. I texted Joe this afternoon seeking some professional advice. I opened the Fiddlestix and decanted for 5 hours prior to drinking. Joe said that the last bottle he had was a little tight. I poured a little taste when I opened it…the wine was definitely tight and needed the decanting and changed quite a bit. This is still young at age 13, and it should make it through another decade and probably further. On the nose it is definetly classic Arcadian. There is a lot of acid in front of the red fruit, which makes me think there are the bones her for the long haul. On the palette I get fresh strawberry and red cherry. The fruit gradually steps back to let the pebble/mineral and citrus take center stage. The wine was definitely more savory as it sat in the glass. No hurry here…this wine has plenty of life left, but if you have multiple bottles check in on one…you won’t be disappointed. Once again…BRAVO JOE!!! ![[cheers.gif]](/uploads/db3686/original/2X/0/0ff9bfcdb0964982cd3240b6159868fbdf215b1a.gif "cheers"){kind=small}
I really like this vineyard. I have a few assorted vintages of Joes wines from here and have really enjoyed Fiddlehead’s pinots as well
I have not had many of Joe’s Fiddlestix pinot’s, but I like a lot of other producers wines that are coming out of Fiddlestix. This wine had a lot of the same characteristics I have gotten from Arcadian Clos Pepe Pinot’s.
The 2001 Arcadian pinots are not yet to peak maturity, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they drank great 20 years from now. Joe’s methods seem to be producing wines that stay incredibly fresh and can age for a very long time. It’s really amazing what he’s doing.
I’ve really enjoyed Arcadian pinot over the past few years, but last night we had an Arcadian syrah which was also excellent.
Which one did you open?
Run don’t walk to pick up some '05 and '07 Stolpman Syrah.
'07 Westerly Vineyard
The last GCS offer convinced me to give the '07 Stolpman a shot; I have a couple each of the '05 and '06 laying in wait, too. I’m bummed that (apparently) there’s no more Purisima Syrah.(?) — same re: the SH Syrah.
I opened this tonight…pop and poured. I followed it over 5 hours in the glass. There is still a tiny bit of acid, but the fruit has come to the front of this wine. Man is this wine absolutely singing. I am sure it will get better, but it is drinking so well right now I would suggest checking in on one if you have a couple. You will not be disappointed.
I have the '07 Arcadian Fiddlestix on deck for tonight.
As of this point in time, no CA pinot ages and improves at the level of Arcadian.
Rhys and Ceritas need to age several more years to prove their mettle. (I think they will).
TTT
I don’t know about better or worse than Arcadian specifically, but in my opinion, there are other California pinots which age and improve.
Just off the top of my head, Williams Selyem, Au Bon Climat and Mount Eden have a track record. Dehlinger did, though I’m not as sure it will in the more recent style of the wines. Ditto for Sanford’s Sanford & Benedict Vineyard pinot. I’m sure there are others.
Pre 1999 that is.
J
I opened another one of these tonight. Man is this absolutely singing! I can’t see this getting much better then it is right now.
If youre referring to the year that Burt stepped out, it would start with the 1998 vintage. He finished the 97s but only looked over the shoulder on the 98s and beyond for a few years before vacating totally. Regardless, his wines are still aging beautifully from the late 80s through the 97`s.
Bryan, your notes are so close to my experience for this wine and it`s refreshing to know it is still showing consistently and has so much more to give for many years. Thanks for posting.
Yes. I didn’t recall what his involvement in 98 was. Thanks.
J
I recently came across a handfull of 2003 Dierberg Pinots at a local store for a decent price, anyone had one recently they care to comment on? Still going strong? Never had Joe’s wines but have always been curious.
'03 Dierberg is yummy. Drinking well now. I last had a bottle nearly two years ago, and felt it was probably already in its prime drinking window.