Hardscrabble Journal

Potential

Tenacity is an important attribute of any winegrower, but this is especially true when climate change challenges normal expectations.

The last few days have been spent pruning a block of Cabernet Sauvignon designated as 12CS (2012 being the year it was planted). I had very high hopes for this planting. The site has unique soils and the slope falls precipitously in three directions. The slope’s steepness and variability make it the king of the “white knuckle” sites. This designation reflects the grip of the tractor operator on the steering wheel when one feels less than 100% in control.

I knew that this site would be difficult and expensive to manage, but was sure that the rewards in terms of wine quality would be worth the risks. After seven years I’m still waiting to find out. The problem is not with the site, but with the Polar Vortex of 2014. In early March of that year temperatures plummeted to 0°F. The sap had started to flow and the tender trunks of all young vines split from freezing. Some vines died immediately, others struggled for a few years before calling it quits. We are still replanting the occasional dead vine. In retrospect I should have removed the entire planting and started over again.

Finally, after years of replanting, we are looking at a healthy, reasonably productive planting. While not exactly immediate gratification, I’m satisfied with a feeling optimism.

Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Journal: March 31, 2020