Hardscrabble Journal

Off and Running (continued)

Now it feels like harvest. The cooler is being filled with Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. I was too tired to make a decent dinner, but still managed to enjoy a glass of 2014 Grand Cru Chablis for information and inspiration. At this stage of the vintage we are looking at high acidities due to cool ripening conditions. High acid wines need ripeness and weight to achieve balance. The Domaine des Malandes Vaudesir demonstrated this in spades.

Yesterday and today we are doing partial picking in all blocks. We are hedging our bets. The riper parts of the blocks are picked due to soil or vine age differences. We’ll pick the rest in a week or so (depending on Irma’s track). Wednesday’s rain is of concern, but again, with cooler temperatures predicted, I’m hoping for minimal impact.

Today we pick some of the Avenius SB and Chardonnay. The fruit is in great shape, so we will only pick about a third of the total hoping the rest makes it through the rain with minimal rot so it can take advantage of the glorious predicted weather for the end of the week and weekend.

Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Journal: September 5, 2017