What the Forsythia Tells Us

Every year I dutifully record the appearance date of the vibrant yellow flowers against the stark brown landscape of late winter. Checking past entries, it seems that this spring is running about a week behind. This is good. It gives us more time to finish pruning and less worry about the possibility of a late spring frost once the vines bud later this month.

Forsythia is just one of several indicator plants on the farm. Rose and lilac leaves tell us about powdery mildew conditions. In the summer we eye the oak acorn crop, as it is the principle food source for many unwelcome grape eaters (bear, raccoons, and even squirrels). A small acorn crop increases predation pressure.

For some, farming is going through a technological revolution with increased mechanization, driverless tractors, and computer-generated algorithms. Here at Linden we are content being tuned into and guided by our environment and our instincts. It just feels right.

Spring Releases

We just released quite a lineup of fresh and vibrant spring wines. As windows of appropriate weather for al fresco dining emerge, Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc demand more of a presence on the table.

2020 Rosé

The good news is that this vintage is arguably the best ever from Linden. The bad news for us is that we can’t figure out why. We’ve tried recreating every production decision from picking strategies to bottling and there is nothing obvious that stands out. We decided to be satisfied with not knowing. This is the beauty of vintages.

2019 Hardscrabble Sauvignon Blanc

After five vintages of making wine from these grapes we felt that in 2019 the quality and terroir expression finally deserved a single vineyard designation. A bit of Sémillon is in the blend.

2019 Avenius Sauvignon Blanc

This is a “wow” wine that shows what old vines can do. Complex and textured, it takes Sauvignon Blanc to a new level.

2015 Late Harvest

Linden’s first blended Late Harvest wine. It is a field blend of 70% Petit Manseng and 30% Vidal showing the exotic tropical fruits and bright acidity of Petit Manseng and the spice, honey, and crème brûlée notes of Vidal.

Compare and Contrast: Sauvignon Blanc

Linden’s Sauvignon Blancs can be very terroir and vintage expressive. We’ve collected four very different examples for you to explore as spring unfolds.

2017 Avenius Sauvignon Blanc

Wound up and still nervous with bright mineral acidity. Must drink with shellfish on the deck.

2019 Avenius Sauvignon Blanc

From a hot vintage, rich and textured, in many ways the polar opposite of the 2017 vintage. Mature, confident restraint with the depth and complexity that comes from old vines.

2018 Sauvignon Blanc

A blend of Avenius and Hardscrabble grapes, a classic example of the variety. Balanced, refreshing, and quaffable.

2019 Hardscrabble Sauvignon Blanc

With the youthful exuberance of a colt, this young wine from young vines wants to show its stuff. Very “Sauvy.”

$130 for the four bottles, which can be combined with eight other bottles to receive a 10% case discount.

Additional Seating and Fridays

Linden’s seating has been very limited, but as spring unfolds, if there is a “nice day” weather forecast, we will open up additional reservations for Friends of Linden. If you have had trouble securing a reservation, try again a day or two before your desired date. Once we are confident that the weather for outdoor seating is a go, we will make available more reservations about 48 hours prior to that day.

Also, a reminder that Friday reservations are now available for Friends of Linden.

Linden Direct

We have modernized (for us) and streamlined purchasing for pickups and UPS shipping. Linden can now ship to Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. We do hope you will consider taking advantage of these options. Linden Direct

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Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Update: March 31, 2021