Style

Linden's 2020 Rosé is denser and more structured than past vintages. The nose is complex and exotic with Mt. Rainer cherry, watermelon, cantaloupe and fresh thyme. It is very dry with a creamy mid palate and moderately high acidity.

Food Pairings

Rosé is always a great wine for picnics or al fresco dining. Cold meats, creative salads, and tabouleh all work well. The 2020 is a great pairwing with fish stew and shellfish.

Vineyards

Hardscrabble (80%): the estate vineyard on the Blue Ridge at 1,300 to 1,400 feet with an eastern to southern slope. Deep, well drained granite soils give cherry character and good structure. Vine ages from 3 to 31 years. Hardscrabble contributed most of the Cabernet Sauvignon and all of the Petit Verdot.

Boisseau (20%): Western facing with loamy soils, it is in the Shenandoah Valley in the town of Front Royal, about 6 miles from Linden. Boisseau contributed some of the Cabernet Sauvignon and all of the Cabernet Franc.

Vintage

2020 was a year of fluctuations. A dry July, wet August and average September was difficult for our younger vines at Hardscrabble. The decision was made to pick these vines early for Rosé rather than stress them any further. The lower alcohol and fresh acidity of the Cabernet Sauvignon formed the basis of this year’s blend.

Winemaking

The blend is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petit Verdot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. The red grapes were crushed and pressed immediately (vin gris). Aged sur lie in older 225 liter oak barrels and stainless steel tanks. 2,260 bottles were bottled in February 2021. The alcohol is 12.9 %.

Linden Vineyards / Our Wines / 2020 Vintage | 2020 Linden Rosé