Oh Deer!

— An ongoing series about the first years of Linden Vineyards.

Deer have always been a problem to anyone trying to grow anything in these parts. Back in the early 1980s, the deer population was much smaller than it is today. Hunting was an important part of rural life. In the late summer a parade of pickup trucks would drive up inquiring about hunting permission. Schools closed on the first day of deer season. That first morning sounded like July 4th fireworks, and we all knew it was best to stay indoors.

In 1985 we attempted to plant and grow our first vineyard without the protection of an electric deer fence. Hot sauce sprays applied with a backpack sprayer worked to some degree, but too many young vines were being eaten down to the ground. That next winter an electric deer fence was installed. We did not have electricity on the farm, so a marine battery-powered fence charger was adequate. This fence was reliably effective for about a decade. However, the deer populations slowly increased as hunting culture all but disappeared. Today we have an expensive 8’ tall mesh fence that serves us well.

New Tasting

We are loving having themed comparative tastings. This new line-up is a classic showing differences in vintage influences, age, and terroir:
 
Village Chardonnay 2017 and 2019
Both of these vintages were sunny and dry, but 2017 was cool and 2019 was hot. This difference shows in wine style.
 
Claret 2020 and 2016
How does a four-year age gap present itself?

Boisseau and Avenius Reds 2019
After more than twenty-five years of producing single vineyard wines, these two wines show off the best of each site.

April begins Friday hours.

Starting Friday April 7 Linden will be open on Fridays. Note: we will be closed Easter Sunday, April 9.

Eclectic Whites 4-pack

The theme is that there is no theme. Linden’s benchmark white wines are Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. But we do grow small amounts of other varieties. We don’t often talk about these small production wines as they seem to find their way to good homes without much fanfare. If you are curious, here is your opportunity.

2020 Dry Riesling

Lean, lively, and linear. This new release has wound-up, bracing acidity. Best enjoyed with warm weather and a deck. Did we mention that it is dry?

2018 Petit Manseng demi-sec

Tropical fruit and a hint of sweetness are balanced with electric acidity on the finish. This wine sings with Thai cuisine.

2019 Wabi Sabi

Now we have gone to a bigger weight class. This blend is reflective of the warm, dry 2019 vintage. Lots of richness and warmth here.

2020 Boisseau Viognier

Classic Viognier: floral, unctuous, viscous, creamy, it is the antithesis of the 2020 Riesling. This is a big boy.

Detailed winemaking, tasting notes, and food pairing suggestions included with purchase.

$124.00 + tax. Free shipping. To order click Linden Direct.

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Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Update: March 30, 2023