Style

The Avenius Red 2020 exhibits distinct black currant aromas with some balsam, pencil shavings and tarragon lift. The wine is medium bodied and concentrated, but not heavy with fresh acidity and fine tannins that persist. There is a harmony of the elements that is uncommon is such a youthful wine.

Vineyard

Avenius Vineyard (100%), Warren Co. is just 1 mile north of Linden Vineyards at 1,300 feet elevation with an eastern slope. Soils are primarily greenstone. Cabernet Sauvignon was planted in 1998. Merlot was planted in 2007 and 2012. This cool site retains red fruit character and a strong acidity that rewards aging.

Vintage

Winter ended early as March warmed and quickly initiating a very early bud break. From early April to early May we were on frost alert with many close calls. May 9 (Mother’s Day) finally nipped Merlot vines resulting in reduced yields.

Cooler than average April and May also slowed vine development, but a warm streak in June allowed for good flowering and berry set. A hot, dry mid-July slowed vine growth at just the right time. The vines were looking balanced and ready to put their energy into ripening as veraison was soon to begin.

Late July gave us a few welcome rain showers that refreshed the vines, but those showers eventually became more steady rains and by mid-August the soils were close to saturated. This slowed the veraison process and pushed predicted harvest dates 7 to 10 days behind average. Smoke haze from the west coast fires filtered sunlight on some days.

Harvest for Avenius red grapes began with Merlot on October 5. The Cabernet Sauvignon was picked on October 14. The wines are more feminine in style as extractions were gentle due to uneven ripening. Cabernet Sauvignon tannins were especially fine grained took a leading role in the blend.

Winemaking

Sorted and destemmed. Fermented warm with gentle pump-overs early and then punch downs once the cap formed. Pressing took place after about 20 to 28 days. The wine was aged for 12 months in once used French oak barrels (Merlot) and some new oak for the Cabernet Sauvignon. 57% Cabernet Sauvignon and 43% Merlot. 1,940 bottles produced. Alcohol 13.3%. Drink now through 2030.

Linden Vineyards / Our Wines / 2020 Vintage | 2020 Avenius Red