Hardscrabble Journal

Off and Running

Wednesday, September 5, marked the first day of harvest for Linden Vineyards. We started at the warmer Boisseau Vineyards with Chardonnay and Viognier under sunny skies and hot temperatures. Considering the challenges of the 2018 growing season, we are quite pleased with the quality of the crop. While perhaps lacking in concentration, the flavors are good and the wine will be balanced.

This morning (Thursday) we pick Hardscrabble Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. Because of the warm temperatures we only pick in the early morning. Every hour or so we rush the harvested grapes from the field to our cooler at the crush pad. Unfortunately, the Sauvignon Blanc crop is very small this year. Poor fruit set in June (caused by rains during flowering) and bear predation took a toll.

Crushing and pressing of the cold grapes will happen on Friday. Naturally we have all the equipment set up, cleaned and maintained. But still, the first day always brings a bit of the “butterflies.” The last time we did this was eleven months ago!

Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Journal: September 6, 2018