Journal | August 3, 2024
Tuesday July 23, 2024
50% Veraison
Our Cabernet Sauvignon cluster went through the 50% veraison stage on Thursday, August 1.
It actually lagged behind the average for this block by about two days. In any case, when half of the berries turn color we dutifully record the date for our records. This is the best (only) way to track the progression of the season. By comparing to past vintages we can make more educated guesses as to when we might expect harvest to begin.
I’ve been keeping records here at Hardscrabble since 1987. This is the earliest 50% veraison date. By a lot. Average for Cabernet is August 11. Previous “earliest” was August 5. The good news is that veraison has progressed quickly. This means that all the berries will be ripening evenly. Uniformity in ripening is important in reds when skin tannins reach peak quality at the same time. This makes for silky, supple red wines.
Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Hardscrabble Journal: August 3, 2024