2021 Linden Rosé
Style
The aromas have classic pretty red fruit high notes (think cranberries and sour cherries), but there is also an infusion of fennel, mint and tarragon and even a bit of cold ocean spray.
On the palate, the entry is fruity, lush, and spritzy. But don’t be deceived. Instead of fading away into the sunset, this wine is just getting started. It is all about the finish. A tightly wound acidity meets pithy tannins that play the long game.
Food Pairings
Rosé is always a satisfying wine for picnics or al fresco dining. Cold meats, creative salads, and tabouleh all work well. The 2021 is a great pairing with fish stew and shellfish. Pork and chicken dishes too.
Vineyards
Hardscrabble (75%): 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 the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc along with some of the Petit Verdot.
Boisseau (25%): 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 Petit Verdot.
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.
Winemaking
The blend is 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Petit Verdot, and 14% Cabernet Franc. The red grapes were crushed and pressed immediately (vin gris). Aged in stainless steel tanks. 5,570 bottles were bottled in February 2022. The alcohol is 13.0 %.
Linden Vineyards / Our Wines / 2021 Vintage | 2021 Linden Rosé