Jim & Shari of Linden Winery

My experience with Virginia wines began about nine years ago, when in a different life, I worked as a bureaucrat at the Dept of Commerce. While the subject matter was facinating and I was priveleged to work with some of the most thoughtful and intellegent folks, the pace and process did not alway jive. So, I found refuge in Shennandoah. Touring wineries and searching out local produce recharged my batteries. The winery that was the constant on these junkets to the countryside was Linden. A bottle of Seyval, fresh goat cheese and a baguette on the lawn remains a fond memory of that time.

Now having returned to the area seven years later, I have rediscovered the Linden wines. More importantly, I have had the opportunity to begin a relationship with the wonderful people who make Linden what it is. Jim Law, Linden's founder, and Shari Avenius, grower and winery manager, are two of the reasons the wines are so enjoyable. I am attracted to the profession of sommelier because I love the interplay of food and wine, but more so because I love the story behind each wine. Linden's story is an important one for anyone interested in fine wine. Their story is one of a love for a place. Their wines are expressions of that place.

I have tasted a number of their wines thus far. From the outstanding and very expressive 08 Avenius Sauvignon Blanc to the elegant and age worthy chardonnays to the series of vineyard designated red blends, Linden makes world-class wine that happens to be from Virginia. I highly recommend visiting the winery to taste through their wines and seeing the vineyards first hand.

On June 10, Goodstone will feature Jim and Shari at a dinner celebrating their wines. Some reservations are still available and there is a great rate of $199 per night running at the Inn for those that attend the event. The menu, including some older vintages is below.

G O O D S T O N E I N N & E S T A T E

June10, 2009

Goodstone Welcomes Jim Law & Shari Avenius
of
Linden Vineyards

reception

Linden Vineyards, Vidal-Riesling, Virginia, 2008

I.
scallop, sweet pea in various forms, olive oil, white balsamic vinegar

Linden Vineyards, “Avenius”, Sauvignon Blanc, Virginia, 2008

II.
benton’s eighteen month country ham, masa, baby corn, mushroom, yogurt

Linden Vineyards, “Hardscrabble”, Chardonnay, Virginia, 1999
Linden Vineyards, “Hardscrabble”, Chardonnay, Virginia, 2006

III.
grilled flank steak, arugula, balsamic vinegar, marrow

Linden Vineyards, “Boisseau”, Red Wine, Virginia, 2006

IV.
lamb neck, dates, toasted cous cous, lamb belly, stewed peppers

Linden Vineyards, “Hardscrabble”, Red Wine, Virginia, 1998
Linden Vineyards, “Hardscrabble”, Red Wine, Virginia, 2006

V.
peach, honey, toasted oats, vanilla

Linden Vineyards, Petit Manseng, Virginia, 2004

menu offered at $150 per person plus tax and service