Journal | September 19, 2025
The Intuitive Vintage
Picking decisions have been unpredictable this vintage. There have been too many uncertain and unusual variables. We experienced a hot, wet, tropical early summer. Then came drought and cool nights. Earlier this week 3” of rain fell in 24 hours. The yields are about half of typical. This may be our smallest harvest since 1987. Spotted Lanternfly continues to menace. No playbooks for 2025. Intuition rules.
Where we stand now:
All the white grapes are in except old vine Chardonnay and Petit Manseng. Hardscrabble’s original Chardonnay planted in the 1980s needs more time to ripen which is typical for vines this old. These grapes remain tart and savory. Maybe next week? Fortunately the skins are thick and we are not yet seeing any problems from the (unexpectedly) big rain on Wednesday. Petit Manseng is tasting like it wants to be harvested late. A November pick could be possible. A racy Late Harvest Petit Manseng could be in our future.
The rest of the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc grapes were textbook perfect. This could be legendary. The Chardonnays may have very long-term aging potential. The fly in the ointment (besides the Spotted Lanternfly) is that yields are very low, which is why the wines are so concentrated. This means lots of empty barrels this year, which presents some unique logistical problems.
Harvest comes in spurts as ripening parameters are unpredictable. Fortunately we have a dedicated and flexible team ready on a moment’s notice.
Reds are next. The weather over the next few weeks will determine everything.
Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Hardscrabble Journal: September 19, 2025