2023 Linden Vineyards Claret
STYLE
Claret is typically fresh, light, and lively; but the 2023 is somewhat atypical. Sunnier and drier than usual, the grapes attained a high degree of ripeness making for concentrated wines. But it was also cool, giving a crunchy freshness to the wines. The aromas are in the black fruit realm with black currants and blackberry jam. There is also a smoky, herbal note. The palate is brooding at first then develops a ying-yang of a tangy acidity playing off a pithy, baker’s chocolate astringency.
FOOD PAIRINGS
This wine’s ripe flavor profile combined with a zingy acidity makes it a good partner with well seasoned dishes, from American barbeque to Middle Eastern lamb to Indian curries.
VINEYARDS
Hardscrabble Vineyard (80%) on top of the Blue Ridge at 1,300 to 1,400 feet with an eastern to southern slope. Well-drained mineral soils give good tannin structure. Vines planted in the early 2000s. VSP training systems and high density spacing.
Avenius Vineyard (10%) is just 1 mile north of Linden Vineyards at 1,300 feet contributes acidity and verve. Vines planted in 1998 and 1999.
Boisseau Vineyard (10%) 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. The vines were planted in 2000 and are trained on cordon/VSP trellising. Contributes mid-palate volume and fruit.
VINTAGE
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.
Bud break was a week early. 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 incomplete fertilization of flowers.
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.
WINEMAKING
Grapes were triple sorted, destemmed and lightly crushed. Fermented cool with gentle pump-overs early and then punch downs once the cap formed. Pressing took place after about 18 to 24 days. The wine was aged for 12 months in older French oak barrels. Then aged an additional 6 months in tank. 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Petit Verdot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 15% Merlot. 9,625 bottles produced. Alcohol 13.5%. Released July 2026. Drink now through 2032.
Linden Vineyards / Our Wines / 2023 Vintage | 2023 Avenius Sauvignon Blanc