2006 Late Harvest Vidal
Palate
Sweet peach, macadamia nut, and orange zest.
Aromas
Baked apples, lilac, caramelized apricots, lychee nut and clarified butter.
Food Pairings
Rich, decadent main courses such as foie gras or desserts that feature fruits — especially apricots, peaches, pears or dried fruits. Very ripe triple cream cheeses.
Vineyard
Hardscrabble Vineyard (100%), Fauquier County, on top of the Blue Ridge at an elevation of 1300 feet on a northeastern slope. Deep, well-drained granitic soils. The block dedicated to Late Harvest is on a rocky slope and was planted in 1985. Wine yield was 20hl/H .
Vintage
I would characterize the vintage as “classic” in that the growing season was about as close to typical as is possible. There were substantial swings in temperature and rainfall during the summer, but in fact, this is normal for Virginia. A dry spring and summer reduced vine vigor. I refer to September and October 2006 as the great obstacle course, with alternating sun and rain. Cooler temperatures kept acidities very high. Vidal harvest was on November 9, 2006.
Winemaking
100% Vidal, the grapes are frozen and pressed while frozen. Only the first thawed juice is used (AKA icewine). The wine fermented slowly in old French oak and was stopped by chilling (putting the barrels outside in February) to retain fruit and sweetness. This wine should become more honeyed and spicier with age. Bottled in August 2007. 310 cases (375 ml) produced. Drink now through 2020.
Linden Vineyards / Our Wines / 2006 Vintage | 2006 Late Harvest Vidal