Journal | September 4, 2023

Harvest Update

Harvest and crush are underway at Linden. We’ve picked Boisseau Chardonnay and Viognier along with Hardscrabble Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon. The picking was easy as the clusters were pristine with no rot or bird damage. Crush was a breeze too. There was nothing really to sort out. The only down side was low juice yields as the grapes are not very juicy. Lots of pulp.

Sugars were high meaning that the wines will carry more potential alcohol than normal. This is of concern for white wines as there is a fine balance between weight (alcohol) and freshness (acidity). These will be very concentrated “Mediterranean” styled wines. A departure from Linden’s typically restrained, fresh style.

Concerns about balance will require us to pick Avenius Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay this week. During a heat wave. Ideally grapes should be picked under cool conditions to preserve freshness. But we can’t wait any longer as the sugars are spiking and acidity is falling. Our game plan is to only pick during the early hours of the morning and shuttle the grapes to the cooler as quickly as possible.

We are accustomed to unanticipated reaction picking to beat rains or hurricanes. This is a first. Are drought and heat our new reality?  

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Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Journal/Field Notes: September 4, 2023

Hardscrabble JournalJim Law2023, Follow the 2023 Harvest