Journal | May 22, 2025

Not Quite Right

The vines are off and running. In April new growth comes from last season’s stored carbohydrates. But by late May the roots have taken over as the engine fueling exuberant shoot growth. In early May we observed some unusual developments as shoots began to form. Many buds did not push. Some shoots seemed stunted. This delayed development has been especially evident in Merlot, Petit Manseng and Sauvignon Blanc. 

 While most vines seem to be shaking off the slow start, others are pushing strong suckers (shoots coming from the base of the trunk). This is an indication of vascular damage. The trunk’s “plumbing” has been compromised. So we will be tying and training up some of these suckers to form new trunks.

 While the recent rains have been a saving grace for vine health, it seems that the perfect storm of weather and pest anomalies over the past couple of years is taking a bit of a toll. Two years of drought and sap sucking Spotted Lanternflies have weakened our vines. This April’s freeze was cold enough to damage buds that are normally developmentally resistant to frost damage. 

 This all may sound awful, but with meticulous selective shoot thinning now completed, I can estimate that we’ll experience only a small yield reduction in most varieties. However, Merlot, Petit Manseng and Sauvignon Blanc may crop only 50% of normal. Alternatively, Cabernet Sauvignon has an abundant potential crop which will most probably need to be hand thinned in July.

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Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Hardscrabble Journal: May 22, 2025