Pollard Cabernet Franc, Yakima Valley, California

Fragrant lavender, wild blueberries, delicate purple flowers, and a distinctive chalky mineral character introduce the 2023 Pollard Cabernet Franc, an elegant estate-grown red wine from the Yakima Valley in Washington, USA. Produced by Pollard Per Se from Cabernet Franc vines cultivated on the southwest-facing slopes of Pollard Vineyard, this expressive wine captures the variety's aromatic finesse and savoury complexity. At 14.1% ABV, it combines concentrated blue fruit with refreshing acidity, finely integrated tannins, and subtle herbal nuances. Medium-bodied and beautifully balanced, the 2023 vintage offers a refined expression of Washington Cabernet Franc, with floral precision, mineral freshness, and a graceful, persistent finish.

Product Details:

• Grape Variety: Cabernet Franc
• Alcohol: 14.1%
• Vineyard Size: 10 acres, including 5 acres planted to Cabernet Franc
• Vineyard Exposure: Southwest-facing slope
• Vineyard Gradient: Approximately 20 degrees
• Planting Density: Approximately 2,400 vines per acre
• Vine Spacing: 6 feet between rows and 3 feet between vines
• Vine Training: Unilateral cordon
• Irrigation: Drip irrigation supplied by a deep well
• Vineyard Certification: Sustainable WA certified
• Production: Approximately 192 cases reported for the 2023 vintage
• Flavour Profile: Wild blueberry, lavender, purple flowers, savoury herbs, and chalky minerality
• Allergens: Contains sulphites

Sensory Description:

Deep ruby with violet reflections, the wine opens with nuanced aromas of lavender, violets, wild blueberries, and delicate purple blossoms. Subtle savoury herbs and a distinctive chalky mineral character bring definition to the aromatic profile. The palate is medium-bodied, vibrant, and finely structured, revealing layers of fresh blueberry, dark cherry, and gently spiced fruit. Refreshing acidity provides lift, while polished tannins lend texture without overwhelming the wine's floral elegance. Savoury undertones and mineral freshness develop through the mid-palate, creating an expressive balance between fruit concentration and restraint. The finish is graceful and persistent, leaving impressions of blueberries, dried flowers, and subtle earthy complexity.

Winemaker’s Background:

Pollard Per Se was established in 2012 by Robin Pollard, whose agricultural roots trace back to generations of farming in the American Midwest. After a career spanning agriculture, tourism, and wine industry development, she created Pollard Vineyard in Washington's Yakima Valley, naming it in honour of her parents, Kathleen and Oren Pollard. The ten-acre estate was developed with an emphasis on careful clonal selection, dense planting, and efficient vineyard management. Robin collaborates with Chris Camarda, founder of Andrew Will Winery, while Patrick Rawn oversees vineyard management. Together, they focus on producing expressive, site-driven wines that highlight the character of Washington-grown Bordeaux varieties.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at approximately 16 to 18 degrees Celsius in a Bordeaux-style red wine glass to appreciate its floral aromatics, vibrant blue fruit, and savoury mineral character. Allow the wine to breathe briefly before serving to encourage its lavender, herbal, and dark berry notes to unfold. Pair with grilled beef tenderloin, herb-crusted lamb, roasted venison, or duck breast with a blackberry reduction. Its refreshing acidity and moderate body also complement mushroom risotto, roasted aubergine, lentil dishes, and aged cheeses such as Comté or mature Cheddar. Enjoy now for its lively fruit and floral freshness, or cellar under suitable conditions for further development.