Journal | August 20, 2026
Preparing
Today was our first day for grape sampling and lab tests. Vintage 2026 is now being analyzed, examined, and scrutinized. In the morning samples of grapes from Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay were methodically taken: ten grapes from 15 vines of each variety. Shari Avenius then squeezes the juice out of each grape sample and runs lab work on the acidity and sugar levels. By the way, this is her 36th vintage operating Linden’s lab. We then do organoleptic evaluations of the juice. This is a fancy way of saying that we smell and taste the juice, and then take notes.
Looks like another early harvest, at least for Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. We were hoping that the recent rains would slow ripening so that the vines would take advantage of cooler weather. But our estimate is now a start date of September 1. It would be preferable to avoid an August harvest as I am in climate change denial which is a stage of grieving.
August has been fairly tropical with heat, humidity and storms. The rain is keeping sugar levels aka potential alcohols) down, which is a relief after so many high alcohol vintages. That could change somewhat if we get a dry, windy, low humidity stretch next week. Acidities are lower than usual. This will probably force our “picking” hand as there is nothing less appealing than a flabby Sauvignon Blanc.
Right now the forecast for next week looks promising. We’ll see if that comes to fruition.
Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Hardscrabble Journal: August 20, 2026