Journal | September 20, 2021
Two different Chardonnay clones planted side by side
Now Picking Hardscrabble Chardonnay
We start this week picking Hardscrabble Chardonnay. Two blocks are ripe and we need to get them in the barn (walk-in cooler) before Wednesday’s forecasted rain. Two additional blocks will remain as they need a bit more time before they come into balance.
One could say that Hardscrabble Chardonnay is a blended wine. It is 100% Chardonnay and it all is grown on the Hardscrabble vineyard site. But we have five distinct parcels that vary according to vine age (from 6 years to 36 years old), clone (various Wente and Dijon), and soils. These diverse blocks typically ripen over a two-week period. We pick them according to their potential contribution to the final blend.
The old vines make wines that are lean, sinewy, mineral, with a long, magical acidity. On its own this wine can be too narrowly focused. It is best complimented by a blending partner that has a generous mid-palate and more toned-down acidity. We make harvest decisions with this in mind. The Chardonnay we are harvesting for the next two days is very ripe and lush. These younger vines have youthful, weighty exuberance, but lack the poise of age.
The final blend won’t be decided on until next year. We’ll have around 30 barrels of Chardonnay from Hardscrabble vineyard. Those that aren’t chosen to go into the Hardscrabble bottling will go to the Village Chardonnay bottling.
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Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Journal: September 20, 2021