Last Day of Vintage 2024

 Today we are picking Petit Manseng. This grape can withstand just about anything Mother Nature will throw at it. Most importantly it survived ten straight rainy days. This past week of sun has dried out the grapes and added some exotic flavors.

 Most of the Merlot and Cabernet Franc are now in barrel. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot still remain soaking on their skins (winemakers call this “post fermentation maceration”). We are “cautiously pleased” with the later two wines which were picked earlier than ideal in order to beat the rains. The tannins are firm, but not hard. The acidities are high, but also of high quality making the wines elegant rather than shrill. I have to believe that this was a result of the heat and drought of the summer. 

Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Hardscrabble Journal: October 14, 2024