Start of Harvest

Vintage 2024 will commence on Friday, August 23 at Boisseau Vineyard. We’ll be picking Chardonnay and Viognier. This is our earliest start of harvest. Avenius and Hardscrabble Sauvignon Blanc will most likely follow next week.

These cool nights and warm, sunny, breezy days are ideal for ripening. Finally. The “whiplash” weather of the past month (drought, heat, then rain) has confused the vines. We are tasting this confusion in the grapes. While ripening is proceeding quickly, flavors are inconsistent and the numbers (sugar, pH and acidity) reflect this.  The analogy would be a teenager’s growth spurt. Fast, but awkward. This was anticipated as ripening under hot conditions is not ideal.

This week’s weather should calm down the vines (and their grapes). We are looking for a realignment of balance along with more harmonious flavors. I have faith that the vines will oblige.

Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Hardscrabble Journal: August 21, 2024