I moved from New Orleans to Washington DC in 1992 to finish my masters’ degree in education, but  I needed a roommate to help fray the cost of rent.  Even back then, it was rather expensive to live here, especially on a grad student’s budget.  A friend introduced to me to Armin, who was also looking for a roommate.  We became house mates and fast friends, and our friendship continued through the years despite our lives going in different directions.  I stayed in DC to pursue a teaching career, and Armin moved to California to practice law and raise a family.  Armin was in town this past weekend to visit his girlfriend, Kristi.  They read Virginia Wine Time, and they were interested in visiting a Virginia winery.  They asked me to join them; of course, I agreed.  Where did we go?  Linden Vineyards.

I didn’t take tasting notes, and I didn’t ask too many questions of the tasting associate. As it was, Armin and Kristi received a very thorough explanation of Linden’s vineyard sites,  their differences, and vintage comparisons.  A splash of the 2022 Riesling preceded our comparative wine tasting, and it was refreshing on a very warm afternoon.  This afternoon was about celebrating a long friendship over wine, recalling fond memories over the past 34 years, and discussing future plans as we all move forward.  Here are pictures from the afternoon.  I’ll provide a quick rundown of our favorite wines toward the end.

So what did we taste, and what were our favorites from each comparison?

2019 Village Chardonnay and 2023 Village Chardonnay:  2019 Village Chardonnay

2022 Hardscrabble Sauvignon Blanc and 2022 Avenius Sauvignon Blanc: 2022 Hardscrabble—it was paired well with the hot afternoon.

2022 Claret and 2021 Claret:  2021 Claret

We had a lovely day at Linden Vineyards.  Barn swallows fluttered about as we sipped, nibbled, and chatted.  Plan your own visit to Linden Vineyards, and bring friends along with you. Mention that Virginia Wine Time sent you.