Library Wines | November 5–6, 2022 only
2013 Avenius Red: The year of hungry bear
The weather 2013 provided us with ripe grapes, but bear ate most of it.
Avenius Vineyard sits on an isolated ridge one mile north of Linden Vineyards. It is adjacent to the Appalachian Trail and surrounded by woods. The bear population is substantial, but in a typical year an electric fence will keep them out of the vineyard. 2013 was not typical because of the emergence of the 17-year cicada.
Billions of cicadae emerged from the ground in the spring. The females inserted eggs inside the twigs of trees and they prefer oak trees. However the oak twigs are brittle and snap under the weight of developing acorns. Acorns provide bear carbs for hibernation. No acorns. Grapes provided convenient alternative.
This was a nightmare. Literally. Bear feed at night. We were left with tears, anxiety and very few grapes.
Red currant jam, roasted chestnut with a precise, perky acidity. Drink while watching leaves fall.
98% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon. Only one barrel produced (300 bottles).
Each weekend Linden features an older vintage from our wine library for tasting. Additionally, Friends of Linden can purchase a carafe of the wine to enjoy on the deck. Unfortunately we rarely have enough stock to purchase by the bottle.
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Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Library Wines: October 28–30, 2022