Love Two Cabs From Pollack Vineyards (VA)

Last year I was lucky enough to taste two lovely wines from one of my favorite wine producers - Pollak Vineyards from Virginia. Pollak is one of the top quality producers on the East Coast. And I have been fond of their wines for years.

Owners Margo and David Pollak created Pollak Vineyards in 2003 with the purchase of a 98-acre farm west of Charlottesville and Crozet, Virginia. Today they have 31 acres of French vinifera under vine. David was inspired upon his experience in the late 1970s with vineyards along the Russian River in Sonoma. The Pollaks were among the first to found a winery in Carneros, California, with Chateau Bouchaine Winery. The Pollaks saw the potential to create great wines from well-sited and meticulously maintained vineyards in Virginia. Thus, Pollak Vineyards was born.

Benoit Pineau is the winemaker at Pollak. He directs all aspects of vineyard management and wine production. He has broad education and experience in the field having degrees in oenology from Blanquefort in Bordeaux and viticulture and oenology from the University of Toulouse. His extensive cellar experience includes work in France, Australia, California and Virginia.

The first wine I tried was a library wine, a Pollak Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2014. This was a 100% estate grown wine. According to the winery, the grapes were cold soaked before being fermented in micro lots and subjected to extended maceration. They used very light pressure in an effort to extract only the soft tannin’s. The wine was aged 8 months in 50% new French oak barrels. The grapes came from the Smuggler Vineyard block on the estate. The wine was incredible. Lovely dark fruit stew of dark cherry, dark raspberry, plum, and blackberry bounded out of the glass on the nose. Layers of mocha and vanilla followed. The dark fruit continued on the palate, and then offered spices and tannins in lovely balance. The flavors were layered, and one found something new to appreciate with each new sip. The fruit mellowed out, and the tannins were lovely, but not over powering. A lovely, soft finish of dark cherry. Fabulous!

The Pollak Vineyards Cabernet Franc 2016 was made of an 100% estate blend from the original 10 Acre and Mountain vineyards. The fruit was picked in September 2016, cold soaked and then underwent an extended maceration. According to the winery, the wine was aged 14 months in French oak barrels, 40% new and 60% neutral. Wine was bottled January 2018. 460 cases made. This is another wonderful red! The wine start off with a lovely garnet color. Fresh ripe cherry cobbler with notes of red cassis and and hints of pencil shavings and fresh cracked pepper come across the nose. Dark cherry and soft blackberry and dark cassis blend with cocoa and vanilla. Ends with a long lingering ripe cherry that stays for a long time. A deep, dark cabernet franc. I loved it!

Pollak Vineyards continues to be one of my top go to red wine producers in Virginia and on the east coast. Always, always impressive!