2023 Hardscrabble Chardonnay
STYLE
The cool, dry vintage 2023 produced a Hardscrabble Chardonnay that benefited from both abundant sunshine and cool nights during ripening. This wine has a more predominate fruit component than previous vintages: Golden Delicious apple, lemon drops, and candied orange. In its youth it retains some mid-palate baby fat. Low yields gave the wine loads of concentration. Cool nights during ripening preserved a fresh, mineral acidity.
FOOD PAIRINGS
Roasted chicken and winter vegetables. Mushroom risotto. Dishes with chick peas or cashews.
VINEYARD
Hardscrabble Vineyard is on top of the Blue Ridge at 1,300 to 1,400 feet with an eastern to southern slope. Deep, well-drained mineral soils give acidity and good structure. Hardscrabble Chardonnay is primarily sourced from old vines (clone #4) planted in the 1980s. Newer plantings from 2010 and 2014 (clone #72) also contributed to the blend.
VINTAGE
Bud break was a week early (April 12 for Chardonnay). May brought the usual hot/cold temperature fluctuations, but the rain deficit had started. Flowering was average in timing, but very cool conditions contributed to some "hens and chicks" (incomplete fertilization of flowers resulting in many small berries). 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.
Hardscrabble Chardonnay was picked September 11 and 14. Clusters were perfect with no rot or damaged berries, making harvest and sorting easy. Sugars were high, but acids remained fresh. 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
Chilled grapes were sorted, pressed, juice settled and then barrel fermented warm (70's F) in neutral French barrels. No malolactic fermentation. Aged sur lie in barrel for 12 months, then again sur lie in tank for an additional 4 months. Bottled February 2025. 5,568 bottles produced. This wine will improve in the bottle for many years. Drink now though 2034. Alcohol 13.2%. Released September 2026.
Linden Vineyards / Our Wines / 2023 Vintage | 2023 Hardscrabble Chardonnay