Rest

 We are now at rest.

The vines are bare. No clusters, no leaves. As much as we would like to start pruning (it is everyone’s favorite vineyard task), it is better to wait. Early pruning wounds heal slowly making the vines more susceptible to wood diseases. A harsh winter can require a change in pruning strategies. But the severity of winter is an unknown right now. So it is best to wait. The more tender varieties are best pruned as late as possible after the coldest winter has passed.

The wines have finished fermenting (with a few exceptions). They are settling in barrel. We clean, organize, and repair.  We can’t help from tasting the new vintage from time to time, but it is too early to make any blending decisions. The wines are cloudy and gassy and sometimes a little bit funky. Only with time will they show us their personalities. We’ll approach them more methodically in January.

Our work is done. There is always something that needs to be done on the farm or in the winery or in the office. But we know that this is the time, the only time, when we can let go. If we miss this opportunity there will not be another one until this time next year. Living by the rhythms of the season is respected and embraced.

• Subscribe to Linden Updates for the latest vineyard and cellar information.

Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Journal: November 14, 2022