2022 Linden Vineyards Avenius Red
STYLE
The 2022 Avenius Red has balsam aromas of cloves and sumac. The palate is dense and crunchy with some earthiness. Petit Verdot is present in the Avenius blend for the first time in several years, adding grip and rusticity. This wine is dense, earthy, and woodsy.
FOOD PAIRINGS
This vintage will pair with strongly seasoned stews, lamb, and Middle Eastern seasonings.
VINEYARD
Avenius Vineyard (100%), Warren Co. is just 1 mile north of Linden Vineyards at 1,300 feet elevation with an eastern slope. Soils are primarily greenstone. Cabernet Sauvignon was planted in 1998, Petit Verdot in 1999 and Merlot was planted in 2007 and 2012. This cool site retains red fruit character and a strong acidity that rewards aging.
VINTAGE
The weather of vintage 2022 initially challenged winegrowers with climate change influenced inconsistency. However a key stretch of September sun and low humidity ultimately ripened some impressive grapes.
April bud break was early. Four inches of snow fell after Chardonnay had budded. Frost events on April 20 and then again on April 28 were just a degree or two warmer than would damage the tender shoots. “By the skin of our teeth” the crop survived. May was warm and wet encouraging rapid vine development. June flowering occurred under ideal conditions resulting in very large clusters. Frequent thunderstorms in mid-summer encouraged vine vigor and a large potential crop that would need to be judiciously thinned.
Hail in late July did minor damage to exposed clusters. Fortunately we had significantly reduced leaf pulling severity just for this reason: the leaves would act as umbrellas to shield the clusters from hailstones.
Veraison was late and in some cases uneven. We started to dry out in late August, but then on and off rains in early September delayed the beginning of harvest. Harvest started with Sauvignon Blanc which required judicious sorting as rot had set in from early September rains. September then provided us with an impressive streak of cool, sunny breezy weather: a perfect ripening window. In early October Hurricane Ian the delayed harvest as rains diluted concentration. Good weather followed and the grapes stayed in good condition due to cool temperatures. Avenius Merlot was picked on September 29, Petit Verdot on October 8, Cabernet Sauvignon on October 10.
WINEMAKING
Sorted and destemmed. Fermented warm with gentle pump-overs early and then punch downs once the cap formed. Pressing took place after about 20 to 28 days. The wine was aged for 12 months in once used French oak barrels and some new oak. 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, and 25% Petit Verdot. 1768 bottles produced. Bottled April 2024. Alcohol 12.9%. Drink now through 2032.
Linden Vineyards / Our Wines / 2022 Vintage | 2022 Linden Vineyards Avenius Red