Hardscrabble Journal

October Surprise

Wow, ten bright yellow sun icons lining up on the weather web site. Much better than a Vegas slot machine, this could be a game changer for the red wines of vintage 2020.

We slowly and carefully start picking Merlot this week. The clusters are large and tight making them susceptible to rot spread, so we are being a bit cautious. Later in the week temperatures will increase which also increases yellow jacket activity. We are starting to see individual berries drilled into, which then can attract other insects such as fruit flies.

Merlot flavors are ripe, the chemistry (sugar and acid) is in balance, but the skins are still a bit tough. For this reason we will do very light extractions during fermentation. For example: little to no crushing, reduced movements (probably only once a day pump-overs or punch downs), and early draining off the skins.

This is why we blend. This vintage especially, Merlot will contribute aromatics and mid-palate volume, but we will depend on Cabernet Sauvignon to give structure and length. Cabernet still needs a few weeks to ripen fully. That’s why we are very excited about those sun icons!

• Subscribe to Linden Updates for the latest vineyard and cellar information.

Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Journal: October 4, 2020