2021 Avenius Red
Style
The 2021 Avenius Red reflects a slow stylistic evolution at Linden as we better understand our terroir. We are now making the wines with more restraint and less oak or extraction. Because of the high elevation Avenius Vineyard gives us grapes that have lots of red fruit characteristics, freshness, and moderate alcohol and palate weight.
Food Pairings
Delicate red meats (duck or braised beef), Kasha (buckwheat) dishes, sautéed mushrooms
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
Spring came in gently and predictably. A cold February was followed by a dry, mild March. Bud break was in late April, right on time. May did not follow suit as hail on May 7 damaged some emerging shoots. Fortunately the damage was mostly cosmetic to only the base of the shoots as the clusters had not yet unfolded.
May was dry as was June and July. This made for a good crop (excellent pollination conditions) with small berries (water stressed vines), but young vines were beginning to show signs of excessive water stress (stunted growth and yellowing basal leaves).
Veraison began in late July under ideal conditions: hot and dry. Color change was quick and uniform setting the stage for high quality. Mid-August presented a big shift with humid, wet nights and frequent quick, hard showers. This slowed the ripening process and elevated disease pressure.
Harvest for Avenius red grapes began with Merlot on September 29. The Cabernet Sauvignon followed quickly and was picked on October 1 and 2.
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.. 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot. Bottled January 2023. 1,160 bottles produced. Alcohol 12.9%. Drink now through 2031.
Linden Vineyards / Our Wines / 2021 Vintage | 2021 Avenius Red