Fine Tuning the Hardscrabble Red 2022 Blend

We have finally found a path forward in blending Linden’s Hardscrabble Red 2022. The elegance of Cabernet Sauvignon won out over the power of Cabernet Franc. After a couple of days of wildly varying trial blends we found the “wow wine.” We then did three confirmation blind tastings of three blends with this “wow blend” in the mix. Each time we were unanimous with our preference.

As it stands now it is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Only Hardscrabble’s old vines made it to the blend. We’ll still do some fine-tuning trials over the next few weeks. We’ll give the young vine Cabernet Sauvignon one more chance. Petit Verdot or Merlot could possibly end up playing a very minor role, but up to this point they have not contributed anything noteworthy.

Pop-up Barrel Tasting | Sunday February 12 only

We still have a couple of spots available for this Sunday’s Barrel Tasting.

We’ll share this vintage’s diverse personalities and styles with a “pop up” barrel tasting. Soon they will be blended to become Hardscrabble Red and Claret. Linden’s winemaker, Jonathan Weber will guide tasters through the labyrinthine stacks of 2022 Hardscrabble barrels including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.

Sunday, February 12 at 11:00 or 12:30

Space in the cellar is tight, so reservation spots are limited to only one or two guests.

$60 per person (upstairs tasting included)

Over the next month or two we will host a few impromptu “Pop-Up” barrel tastings so that those who are interested can taste individual components before we blend. We’ll announce times a week in advance.

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

Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Journal: February 10, 2023