WineLovers Discussion Group

2000 Arcadian Chardonnay Sleepy Hollow Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Monterey (6/8/2006)
For me, this is as good as CA chardonnay gets...great balance, acidity, smooth mouthfeel. No overt oak... really, really nice with food. For well less than $20, it is a real bargain. (92 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

Jim, do you know if this Chardonnay undergoes malolactic fermentation? It sounds like it is a nonmalolactic Chard from your description, like the style at ch Montelena.

I've heard nice things about the Pinots from Arcadian. I am going to have to find some of these to try. Thanks for the note.

Marc.. I'm checking on the ML question...It is very tasty stuff.

I love the Arcadian Pinots. If you want to try one, the Santa Maria Valley bottling retails around here for $20. They are definitely in a leaner style than many CA Pinots. I had a 2000 Brewer-Clifton Julia's Pinot the other day that exhibited a very similar style.. elegant, lean without sacrificing fruit...

Marc.. got the answer for you.. Surprisingly, 100% malo!! and at least 75% new oak barrels. This is a wine that has aged to near perfection, though I have it on good authority that at release the wine was a bit rough. We had it up against a Peter Michael Chard, and IMHO the Arcadian won hands down. I don't hesitate to recommend it, if you can find it!!

Surprisingly, 100% malo!! and at least 75% new oak barrels.

Now that sounds more than a little scary. They must be doing something very right in the vineyard if the wine still has great acidity and balance after that treatment. I'm really curious to try this as it would break two of my stereotypes if I end up liking it. 100% malo Cal Chard and 75% new wood, wow.

Joe Davis manages his vines in all the vineyard sources for his wines. His wines have a great balance of acidity and fruit. He is meticulous. It is not a typical CA chard....

look for it here..... http://www.bacchussecretcellar.com/