2022 Linden Vineyards Boisseau Red
STYLE
The eponymous Boisseau Red reflects the 2022 vintage. Even though the grapes grown are the Bordeaux varieties, the wine presents as more Burgundian than Bordelais. This is a quaffable, fresh, playful wine that shows red cherries, licorice and pinot-like qualities rather than the sternness of Cabernet Sauvignon.
FOOD PAIRINGS
This wine inspires a summer grill: chicken or pork seasoned with dried herbs. Marinated tofu cubes in stir fry would also pair well.
VINEYARD
Boisseau Vineyard is located on a bluff above Front Royal in the Shenandoah Valley at an elevation of 600 feet. The vineyard is west facing on light, deep, well drained loam soils. Most of the vines were planted in 2000. The Cabernet Sauvignon vines were planted in 2006. All are trained on cordon/VSP trellising.
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. Boisseau Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc were picked on September 30 and Cabernet Sauvignon was picked on October 8.
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. 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc, 24% Petit Verdot. 1,176 bottles produced. Bottled April 2024. Alcohol 12.2%. Drink now through 2032.
Linden Vineyards / Our Wines / 2022 Vintage | 2022 Linden Vineyards Boisseau Red