A Soggy Slog

2018 was with wettest year ever recorded in this area. Much of that rain fell during the growing season. To say the vintage was challenging would be an understatement. It was the most difficult year I have experienced in growing grapes in Virginia since 1981. Facing reality by strategically “punting” was the best way to approach growing and winemaking decisions. The result: light, pretty, quaffable white and rosé wines with no red wines produced for vintage 2018.

Bud break was about a week late, but then May turned warm stimulating vigorous shoot growth and long internode length. Continued wet conditions reduced berry set in June leading to small clusters. Two gloriously sunny, dry weeks in early July gave hope of a turn around, but it was not to be. The vines did not stop their vegetative growth by veraison (the color change of red grapes and start of ripening). At this time (early August) it became evident that high quality red wines would probably not be possible in 2018.

Harvest began on September 5. The leading harvest parameter was to pick before the grapes started any degradation (rot being the main concern). White grapes came in with good flavors and aromatics. Acidities were high, but within the bounds of making a balanced wine. The problem was a lack of concentration. The winemaking goal was to make “pretty” white wines that would be fresh and quaffable. Any notions of making single vineyard wines were quickly dismissed.

By the second week of September it became apparent that the possibility of ripening red grapes for red wines had faded. The lack of juice concentration and green, vegetal skin tannins would make even a miraculous turn in the weather insufficient to save the vintage. However, the fresh flavors and acidity could contribute to a pleasing rosé. All Linden’s red grapes were made into rosé in 2018.

Linden Vineyards / Our Wines / Vintage Summaries | 2018 Vintage