Linden Update | November 2017
It was a Very Good Year
2017 will be our benchmark vintage for decades to come. This is one of the rare years where both whites and reds were harvested with high expectations. The beginning of harvest was a bit tricky and stressful from hurricane threats. By mid-September weather patterns settled down and gave us the opportunity to harvest grapes precisely when we felt they were at their best.
The white wines have mostly finished their fermentations and are showing their personalities: a blend of density, minerality, ripeness and good terroir expression.
The red wines have fermented dry, but some have yet to be drained off their skins and put into barrels. They are very generous and structured, but without any heaviness or rusticity.
As is true with most great vintages, these wines will require age to show their best. We will try to respect this as much as possible. Patience please!
Terroir Project
Our new planting looks like a vineyard. Except there are no vines. Harvest has finished (not counting the Petit Manseng) and it is too early to prune. We are taking this pause to establish the trellising system for our 2018 planting.
First posts are set. This is especially difficult on this site because of the rocks. But that is exactly why the site should produce high quality wines: low vigor and good drainage.
Next the wires are strung and attached to the posts. We do the trellis establishment now so that in the busy spring we can plant and still have the time to take care of the rest of the vineyard.
Free Form December
Last December we had a lot of fun sharing older vintages, new releases, and cellar samples with our faithful Linden “wine geeks”. This year we will do the same. The first three weekends in December will be devoted to an unconventional and somewhat spontaneous tasting format. Some of the wines will be available for purchase and some will not. I’ll send details later in November.
6th Annual Linden & RdV Wine Dinner
L’Auberge Provençale
Sunday, November 12th from 12:30 until 4:00
For reservations call 540.837.1375
During my stays in France I’ll always remember the special Sunday afternoon dinners that consumed the entire day. Join us at L’Auberge for an afternoon of vinous and culinary indulgences.
Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Update: November 2017