Spring came in gently and predictably. A cold February was followed by a dry, mild March. Bud break was in late April, right on time. May did not follow suit as hail on May 7 damaged some emerging shoots. Fortunately the damage was mostly cosmetic to only the base of the shoots as the clusters had not yet unfolded.
Read MoreThis vintage has classic Avenius aromas of stone dust and oyster shell along with Kiwi and grapefruit zest. Medium bodied, but concentrated and wound up. Very dry, long and precise at the finish.
Read MoreWe only make one or two barrels each year from this tiny planting. Viognier tends to be perfumed and tropical. These are varietal characteristics that we downplay because our goal is to express the Boisseau terroir. This warmer Shenandoah Valley vineyard site is ideal for Viognier. This is a winter white wine as it is full bodied with a grip on the finish.
Read MoreThe aroma is classic Old World Sauvignon Blanc with wet stone, pith and citrus zest. On the palate Semillon tames the wildness of Sauvignon Blanc by contributing a bit more layered and harmonious texture.
Read MoreVintage 2021 gave us a quaffable, light bodied Riesling that is low in alcohol (10.2%) and restrained in sweetness (a barely detectable 7grams per liter). Aromas and flavors of tree fruits, stone dust, and fennel, this is the perfect pool, beach, picnic wine for a warm summer day.
Read MoreThe ripe, warm 2021 Village Chardonnay is more powerful than previous vintages. In its youth the aromas have a distinct apple skin and orange zest fragrance. The palate shows richness and warmth with a ripe generosity.
Read MoreThe 2021 Avenius Red reflects a slow stylistic evolution at Linden as we better understand our terroir. We are now making the wines with more restraint and less oak or extraction. Because of the high elevation Avenius Vineyard gives us grapes that have lots of red fruit characteristics, freshness, and moderate alcohol and palate weight.
Read MoreHardscrabble Red has been of a certain style, an emulation of Bordeaux, for decades. A combination of climate change and our own maturity, self-discovery and confidence has changed the equation. During blending trials the Cabernet Sauvignon was impressive and attempts to introduce other varietals in the wine took away from the élan, its drive, its specialness. Ultimately it was a flight of 2008 Barolos that showed us that power didn’t have to come from ultra-ripe fruit, alcohol and oak. The resulting blend is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine is elegant, restrained, but concentrated. An iron first in a velvet glove.
Read MoreThe aromas have classic pretty red fruit high notes (think cranberries and sour cherries), but there is also an infusion of fennel, mint and tarragon and even a bit of cold ocean spray.
Read MoreThe 2021 Claret shows pungent aromas of red currants and red raspberries, along with fresh thyme, mint and tarragon. Maybe a bit of roasted red pepper in the background. The wine is medium bodied. There is a perky and lively finish with a refreshing acidity.
Read More