Journal | May 27, 2025

Hens and Chicks.

Cool

Cooler than average temperatures have slowed vine development. Shoot growth is not quite as exuberant as is typical for this time of year. This is actually a relief as keeping up with shoot positioning and tying can be challenging.

There have been a few nights below 50℉ . This is of concern as temperatures this cool can interfere with successful grape flower fertilization and can result in “hens and chicks”. This happened in 2023 to the Chardonnay. It reduced yields as the berries and clusters were smaller, but it also increased quality as the juice is more concentrated flavorful. Right now our Chardonnay has just started bloom. Any visual signs of hens and chicks will show up later in June.

Fortunately the forecast calls for warmer temperatures next week. This is when most of the vineyard will be in bloom. With the red winegrapes it is ideal to have a fast flowering. Warmer temperatures encourage this and should contribute to a more even fertilization of the flowers. A more synchronistic berry development will ultimately be important for more supple tannin development and therefore higher red wine quality.

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Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Hardscrabble Journal: May 27, 2025