2015 Homage

A special bottling in remembrance of Richard Law, founding partner of Linden Vineyards, vice-president in charge of mowing, and admirer of St. Emilion wines.

Palate

 Elegant. Medium bodied. Lingering tannins.

Aromas

Red cherry, smoke, and subtle toast.

Food Pairings

Subtle red meat preparations, roast chicken, red meat stews.

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 mineral soils give cherry character and good structure. Vine ages from 3 to 30 years.

Vintage

2015 was an excellent year for red wines. The winter of 2014/15 was colder than average, but unlike the winter of 2013/14, there was no vine or bud damage. Bud break was slightly late. May was unusually dry and consequentially accelerated growth and flowering. Right around flowering June turned very wet, however pollination and berry set was successful, as temperatures remained warm.

Wet spells continued into July and we were bracing ourselves for a possible negative impact on wine quality. The rains stopped in mid-July, but shoot growth continued into early August, which is later than ideal. With a very dry August, vine growth stopped and vines were in good balance going into harvest. September gave us ideal conditions for ripening. Threats of rain never came to fruition. Harvest was compressed with never a day off. Merlot and Cabernet Franc came in balanced with great extract and concentration.

Winemaking

Double sorting, moderate fermentation temperatures and extraction by pump overs and punch downs. Total cuvaison about 21 days. Aged in new and older French oak for 14 months. 68% Merlot and 32% Cabernet Franc. Bottled January 2017. 143 cases produced. Drink through 2023. Alcohol 13.6%.

Red WinesJim Law