Hardscrabble Journal

Cold Start

Never have we experienced such a cold start to harvest. This bodes well for the whites, but we wonder if the reds will ripen before the end of October when any hope of continued ripening comes to a close.

It looks like any rain from Sally will be inconsequential, so we are on track to bring in some pretty amazing Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and even Riesling. These cool, dry days will retain acidity, verve and aromatics while concentrating flavors. 

Today is a big picking day at Avenius Vineyard. Both Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are ready. These vines are now 25 years old and have withstood earlier rains much better than the younger Hardscrabble Sauvignon Blanc. Picking should go smoothly as we don’t have any bunch rot to sort through in the field.

Looks like some near perfect picking weather ahead, so we are feeling more upbeat about vintage 2020!

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Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Journal: September 16, 2020