2001 Reserve

Palate

Sweet black cherry jam, cassis syrup, layered, supple, with a bright acidity and long finish.

Aromas

Rose petal, cedar, rare roast beef, earthy tar, toast, smoke and fruits du bois.

Food Pairings

Red meats, Daube, and rich cheeses.

Vineyard

Hardscrabble Vineyard (100%), Fauquier Co. on top of the Blue Ridge at 1,300 to 1,400 feet with an eastern to southern slope. Deep, well drained rocky, mineral soils give depth, structure and length. Vine ages from 11 to 17 years.

Vintage

An ideal growing season: a hot dry summer gave way to much cooler, but still dry conditions in September and October. Harvest dates between October 17 and 31, 2001.

Winemaking

This is the second reserve red from Linden Vineyards, the first being from the 1997 vintage. Excellent ripening conditions, small yields, special vineyard blocks and barrel lots all contribute to the evolution of a reserve wine at Linden. Minimal crushing; cold soak for several days before spontaneous (un-inoculated) fermentation. Fermented warm (85°+ F) for 10 days. Pressed just before dryness. Only free run wine used. Aged in both new and old French oak for 12 months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered in November 2002. 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Cabernet Franc, 25% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot. 188 cases produced.

2001 Vintage, Red WinesJim Law