Palate

Lush red fruit and black pepper with supple tannins.

Aromas

Cherry, plum, chocolate and toast.

Food Pairings

Red meats and rich cheeses.

Vineyard

Estate (100% Hardscrabble Vineyard), on Blue Ridge at 1,300 to 1,400 ft. with an eastern to southern slope. Deep, well-drained mineral soils give cherry character, deep color and good structure. Vine ages from 7 to 13 years.

Winemaking

A blend of 44% Cabernet Franc, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Petit Verdot and 11% Merlot. Grapes were destemmed and lightly crushed and fermented warm in small open bins. The cap was punched down by hand two times a day. The wine was pressed off just prior to dryness and put immediately in primarily Virginia oak barrels. This wine is a selection of 9 barrels from an entire production of 42 barrels. The wine was bottled after 21 months of oak aging. 220 cases produced.

Linden Vineyards / Our Wines / 1997 Vintage | 1997 Reserve Red