Linden Update | July 25, 2024
Our drought persists
This dry summer is good for the grapes and is bad for the grapes. It depends on what part of the vineyard you are looking at. Most of the vineyard looks healthy, but there are some drought-related problems. Those problems pertain to soil water retention.
We’ve been growing grapes here at Hardscrabble since the 1980s. Through trial, error, and observation it has become apparent that some soils hold moisture better than others. Deep soils and high clay content make water more accessible to vine roots. We have also learned that understanding soil permeability is critical when deciding the grape variety to plant on a particular soil. Cabernet Sauvignon produces the best wine when water availability is restricted. For the last 25 years Cabernet has been planted on slopes with thin rocky soils. The wine quality has consistently increased, as we've noticed through our tastings over the years.
But now we are in year two of a drought. The Cabernet vines planted on the thinnest, rockiest soils are struggling. So as not to over-tax these vines, we are removing clusters so the weakened vines are able to ripen the remaining crop. Bad for quantity, but good for quality.
It may seem ironic that we sought out dry soils in which to plant Cabernet and are now paying a price. But it was the right decision for the long term, as so many past vintages have already demonstrated.
Sunday Vineyard Tours Resume
See for yourself how the vines are doing during this drought. We’ll demonstrate how each block is managed depending on soil, vine age, and variety. Tour Linden's Hardscrabble vineyards with our apprentices to learn what’s happening in the vines, and how that shapes our wine. We'll finish the tour with our current comparative wine tasting.
This event is for Friends of Linden only. If you want to join the tour but are not yet a Friend of Linden, you can become a member during your visit.
Dress appropriately for walking on uneven terrain and up and down hills.
10:30 am on Sundays in August.
Friends of Linden only.
$40 per person.
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Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Update: July 25, 2024