Linden Vineyards – Virginia
The one constant we heard during our East Coast winery visits was: see Jim Law at Linden Vineyards. And, without a doubt, we found Jim to be one of the most talented, dedicated and knowledgeable individuals we’ve met – anywhere! Purchasing an abandoned farm in 1983, Jim began planting vines from cuttings and grafts in 1985. Varieties included Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Vidal and Seyval. The first vintage was 1987 and the winery was opened in 1988.
Jim has been experimenting here with different varieties, placement, trellising, and so on over many recent years, and from the end product, it seems they’re getting closer to defining the mid-Atlantic region. All of this presented an interesting dichotomy out in the vineyard. Jim had recently replaced a block with new denser plantings – like babies, small and petite; while back behind us, stood an army of tall wooden lyre trellises, waiting for the older vines to climb to the top. We also noted that Jim seems to enjoy the same challenge himself, and the Blue Ridge climate and growing conditions apparently afford him that very “opportunity.” Even though Jim seems to be at the forefront of all of this experimentation, he also admits there is a long way to go. “We’re still young. We don’t have all the answers yet,” he told us. Not too dissimilar to what one hears from almost any winegrower on the West Coast.
Join us as we talk with Jim Law, and take a fascinating look at East Coast viticulture – Virginia style!
Sponsor: North Berkeley Imports: www.northberkeleyimports.com
Great video! My wife and I were fortunate enough to take Jim Law’s winemaking class last year. I learn more from him every time I visit Linden Vineyard. Thanks for allowing him to share more about the soil and vineyards.
Hope you continue to visit more vineyards!!!
I’m from California and now reside in Virginia. While my taste and my cellar is 90% French wine, Icontinue to be knocked out by Linden’s ’99 and ’01 Hardscrabble Chardonnay. It is a ringer for a Cru Classe White Burgundy. After seeing the video and hearing about his influences, now I know why. He’s the real deal. Bravo Jim!
Michael
http://www.familyhack.com
I couldn’t agree with you more Michael. Jim’s focus on the grapes in the vineyard and sort of a hands off approach in the winery, makes for a great combination, and excellent examples that Virginia can make great wine.
Cheers
John Witherspoon
Great video cast guys! Short, but a lot of good information there; we visit Linden several times a year and have enjoyed every trip. The wines, particularly reds, and the atmosphere are truly pleasing. Whenever I’m asked by visitors on which winery is a must visit ….Linden is always one of the 1st mentioned.
Happy Sipping!
Dezel
As a winery owner in NY I’ve always enjoyed reading what Jim write and find it very helpful.
Jonathan Hull
http://www.applewoodwinery.com