Palate

Dense, sinewy, focused and linear with a bright, dusty finish. Nebbiolo-like.

Aromas

Pomegranate and Montmorency cherry. Earthy.

Food Pairings

Pasta with mushrooms (shaved truffles?!), lots of olive oil, and Parmesan.

Vineyard

Avenius Vineyard (100%), Warren Co. is just one mile north of Linden Vineyards at 1,300 feet elevation with an eastern slope. Soils are primarily greenstone. Merlot was planted in 2007 and trained on VSP. Cabernet Sauvignon is trained to Lyre and planted in 1998.

Vintage

2013 was a difficult growing season that metamorphosed into a fabulous fall harvest. Bud break was very late. Most of the summer was wet, resulting in unruly vegetative growth and extra vineyard work. August continued this pattern until the last week when the weather broke. September defines the quality and style of the wine. The bad behavior of the previous six months can be easily forgiven and forgotten if September is bright and sunny. September 2013 rewarded us for all our diligence during the growing season. The wild child of summer finally found a niche and thrived into early adulthood. With the exception of one very brief rain shower, we had no rain in September. This is quite remarkable in the mid Atlantic. Days were warm and sunny; nights were very cool. Merlot was able to take full advantage of September’s gift, ripening before the rains that began on October 10. The resulting wine has fresh acidity and a good core. It will be a good candidate for aging. Harvest was September 27.

Winemaking

Pressing took place after about 10 to 14 days, at dryness. The wine was aged in one two-year-old French oak barrel for 18 months. Unfined. 98% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. 25 cases produced. Drink now through 2022.13.3% alc.

Linden Vineyards / Our Wines / 2013 Vintage | 2013 Avenius Red