News and Events at the Vineyard
July 2010
| In the Vineyard: | |
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The 2010 growing season is very advanced. If hot and dry conditions continue, it will be the earliest harvest I have experienced in my 30 years making wine in Virginia. We are already preparing for a very early harvest. The vines are in good shape, but some of the younger vines could use some rain as the recent heat has dried out the soil. We are now fine tuning the vines: cluster thinning, leaf pulling and hedging. New plantings this year include more Merlot (French clones) and Chardonnay (California Wente clones). |
| In the Cellar: | |
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We are not doing much in the cellar this spring and summer as out tank room in being renovated. After 23 years we felt it needed a face lift. New tile, lighting and cooling systems will be in place by August. 2009 marks a slight stylistic departure with Linden's reds as we incorporated more extractive Bordeaux winemaking techniques to bring out more structure. The 2009 whites are very precise in terms of ripeness, balance and fresh acidity. We bottled the 2009 Seyval, Sauvignon Blanc, Vidal-Riesling and Rosé in late February. We have released the 2009 Rosé and 2009 Avenius Sauvignon Blanc. |
| In the Tasting Room: | |
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Our regular tasting is open to all visitors. We are open from 11:00 to 5:00 Wednesday through Sunday. We are tasting: 2009 Seyval, 2008 Chardonnay, 2009 Rosé, 2007 Claret, and 2008 Vidal Riesling. Our weekend cellar tastings start at 12:15 and continue throughout the day every 45 minutes. We are currently tasting: Avenius Chardonnay 2007, Avenius Chardonnay 2008, Hardscrabble Red 2006, Hardscrabble Red 2007, Late Harvest 1999, Late Harvest Vidal 2005. Linden's in-depth vineyard and cellar tours are at 11:30 on Saturdays and Sundays (no reservations necessary). We cannot take groups larger than six. For more detailed information about visiting Linden, look under Your Visit. |
| Of Special Interest: | |
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For nearly two decades, our deck and grounds have been a place of quiet retreat and
contemplation. Unfortunately, with the new popularity of Virginia wine tourism, Linden's
facility was often overwhelmed with visitors on Saturdays and Sundays. This level of activity
had never been my intention for Linden. I longed to return to a more orderly, relaxed, "Zen"
atmosphere. After much contemplation, I have decided that weekend access to Linden's deck and
grounds will be limited to those visitors and their guests (maximum group size of 4) who have
purchased a case of wine within the previous 12 months. When you purchase a case we will sign
you up (membership goes into effect immediately if you would like to enjoy the deck that day).
Linden will continue be open as usual with tours, tastings (both regular and cellar) and sales
available to any visitor. All visitors (of groups of 4 or less) are welcome to enjoy the deck
on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Jim Law |