By the Skin of Our Teeth

The weather of vintage 2022 initially challenged winegrowers with climate change influenced inconsistency. However a key stretch of September sun and low humidity ultimately ripened some impressive grapes.

April bud break was early. Four inches of snow fell after Chardonnay had budded. Frost events on April 20 and then again on April 28 were just a degree or two warmer than would damage the tender shoots. “By the skin of our teeth” the crop survived. May was warm and wet encouraging rapid vine development. June flowering occurred under ideal conditions resulting in very large clusters. Frequent thunderstorms in mid-summer encouraged vine vigor and a large potential crop that would need to be judiciously thinned.

Hail in late July did minor damage to exposed clusters. Fortunately we had significantly reduced leaf pulling severity just for this reason: the leaves would act as umbrellas to shield the clusters from hailstones.

Veraison was late and in some cases uneven. We started to dry out in late August, but then on and off rains in early September delayed the beginning of harvest. Harvest started with Sauvignon Blanc which required judicious sorting as rot had set in from early September rains. September then provided us with an impressive streak of cool, sunny breezy weather: a perfect ripening window. Chardonnay and some early ripening reds were picked under ideal conditions. In early October Hurricane Ian the delayed harvest as rains diluted concentration. Good weather followed and the grapes stayed in good condition due to cool temperatures. Most Cabernet and Petit Verdot were picked in mid-October.

Linden Vineyards / Our Wines / Vintage Summaries | 2022 Vintage