So far so good.

The first part of the growing season has been kind to us. Dry cool weather has tempered shoot growth. This has allowed us to easily keep pace with canopy work. The first round of shoot tying, fruit zone aeration, and hedging are just about complete. Potential yields look good with the important exception of Chardonnay. Some pockets of the vineyard experienced poor flower fertilization and the berries are remaining small. We are still trying to figure out why.
 
Up to this point the weather of the growing season determines quantity. July and August begin to set the stage for quality and style. Unlike most farmers in the area, we are hoping for continued dry conditions. This would result in smaller berries with more flavors coming from the skins. Additionally the vines would stop their vegetative growth by early August. They would then put all their energy into ripening the grapes rather than growing more unnecessary leaves.

Chardonnay

Linden is known for Chardonnay. This is not by accident. My first wine memory is Chablis. I remember loving its lean freshness and mineral bright acidity. I then explored other white Burgundies, discovering the nuances of terroir expression and the rewards of aging. I also learned that the grape that made these beautiful wines was Chardonnay. These early experiences remain etched on my mind. This to me is what Chardonnay should be. But the rest of the world has had other ideas.

The Chardonnay grape is easy to grow and is therefor grown everywhere, but ease of cultivation has no bearing on style or quality. Most of the world’s Chardonnay is grown in hot, sunny, arid climates that produce the antithesis of the fresh mineral Chardonnays that I adore.

Jim Law shows why Linden Chardonnay is different.

July 8 & 9 and 15 & 16 at 11:00

For nearly 40 years Jim Law has been growing Chardonnay at his high elevation Hardscrabble Vineyard. July is the ideal time to see vineyard management decisions in progress. July is also the last month that individual barrel lots are aged separately prior to blending. Participants will first take a walking tour with Jim showing differences in several Chardonnay blocks. Then we will retreat to the cellar to taste those same blocks from the 2022 vintage.

Please dress appropriately for the summer outdoors and then a very chilly cellar.

$100 per person by reservation only. This also includes Linden’s regular tasting. Because of a very limited, intimate group size we can only take reservations for one or two individuals.

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Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Update: June 29, 2023