2023 Linden Vineyards Hardscrabble Red
STYLE
2023 was arguably our first “climate change” vintage. Sunnier and drier than usual, the grapes attained a high degree of ripeness making for some impressive palate impact. Vintage 2023 was reminiscent of 2017, which is one of our favorite vintages. This vintage has a long aging potential. 2023 gives us concentration, precision, and complexity. This is a “wow” wine. It is layered and brooding with weight and structure. The finish is very long.
FOOD PAIRINGS
A classic red meat wine. It is hard to veer from that timeless theme with this wine.
VINEYARD
Hardscrabble Vineyard is on top of the Blue Ridge at 1,200 to 1,400 feet with an eastern to southern slope. Moderately shallow, well drained rocky, granite soils give depth, structure and length to the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc while more clay-based soils are dedicated to Merlot. Most of the vines are 10 to 20 years old and planted at 1,500 to 2,500 vines per acre.
VINTAGE
Bud break was a week early. May brought the usual hot/cold temperature fluctuations, but the rain deficit had started. It was the summer of smoke haze coming from Canadian fires. The smoke was too early in the season to affect the crop, but there were several days when working outside was too hazardous (smoke inhalation). The drought continued into July. The vines stopped their vegetative cycle. Berries were noticeably smaller than normal and young vines were showing hydric stress. Veraison was early and quick. Cane lignification was the earliest ever observed.
Red harvest started early with Merlot on September 18. Chemistry and flavors were good, but tannin development lagged. A late September rain paused Cabernet Sauvignon harvest, but by then it was quite cool, so the clusters remained healthy with no rot. Petit Verdot was the last red to be picked on October 9.
The dry, cool 2023 growing season produced powerful, concentrated wines. It was an easy vintage in terms of managing the vines and making harvest decisions.
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 used and new French oak barrels. 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot. Bottled in February 2025. 3,735 bottles produced. Alcohol 14.3%. Drink 2026 through 2036, or longer. Released September 2026.
Linden Vineyards / Our Wines / 2023 Vintage | 2023 Linden Vineyards Avenius Red