Linden Update | April 2020

“This is how Linden looks and feels without you. Linden will remain closed until it is open."

“This is how Linden looks and feels without you. Linden will remain closed until it is open."

An Early Spring

Spring has come early, perhaps by as much as two weeks. The first varieties to show visible activity are Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc. Their buds are now swelling which means that bud break is soon to follow. The average bud break date for Chardonnay is April 20. We are sure to beat that. An early bud break in and of itself is not a bad thing. The issue is that once the first green leaves appear, the risk of losing the potential crop from frost is elevated. Temperatures below 28° F will kill any green tissue including the still invisible flower clusters embedded in that tiny green shoot.

Coming Soon

Coming Soon

Bud Break

Early bud break potentially increases the time that the vines are vulnerable to frost. Fortunately, our vineyards are well sited on hillsides usually above the frost line. We have yet to experience any significant frost crop loss. But that still can’t stop us from worrying.

Hardscrabble Journal 

If I may offer this small connection to normalcy. For the past ten days I’ve managed to continue daily posts about our work in the vines. For me personally, this has had to replace the conversations I usually have with all of you on the weekends. My goal is to continue until Linden opens again.

Linden Direct

Linden now ships wine via UPS to the District of Columbia in addition to Virginia. We are offering free shipping and handling during our closure.

We shamelessly remain stubborn Luddites, so you’ll have to call in your order the old-fashioned way 540-364-1997. Shari is pruning her vines in the morning, but in the office by the phone in the afternoons. Otherwise leave a message.

I think that we’ve shipped out more boxes of wine over the past ten days than all of 2019. Thank you. I can’t tell you how much this helps.

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Half Bottles in your Future

Half bottles may be in your future. We look at it as doubling the opportunity to taste more wine. Linden has 2016 Hardscrabble Red, 2016 Hardscrabble Chardonnay, and 2013/14 Late Harvest Vidal available in 375ml bottles.

Hardscrabble Chardonnay | 2016 | 375ml | $23
Hardscrabble Red | 2016 | 375ml | $34
Late Harvest Vidal | 2013 | 375ml | $23
Late Harvest Vidal | 2014 | 375ml | $23

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