Pollard 'Pollard Vineyard' Merlot, Yakima Valley, Washington

Black cherry, dark fruit, and a supple texture give 2023 Pollard Merlot, Yakima Valley, Washington an immediate sense of generosity and energy. Grown at Robin Pollard's compact estate vineyard in the upper Yakima Valley, the wine is produced in just 85 cases and matured for 18 months with a restrained 20% new French oak component. Its combination of small-scale farming, careful vineyard management, and measured cellar work reflects Pollard's agricultural roots and commitment to expressing the character of her own site.

Product Details:

• Owner: Robin Pollard
• Winemaker: Chris Camarda
• Vineyard Manager: Patrick Rawn
• Grapes: Merlot
• Farming: Sustainable WA certified vineyard
• Vineyard Source: Pollard Vineyard
• Clones: Merlot 181 and 348
• Soil: Sandy loam with limestone subsoil
• Elevation: Approximately 1,150 feet
• Aspect: 20-degree southwest-facing slope
• Vineyard Density: Approximately 2,400 vines per acre
• Aging: 18 months, with 20% new French oak
• ABV: 14%
• Case Production: 85 cases

Sensory Description:

Black cherry leads the profile, layered with deeper dark cherry fruit and a juicy, energetic core. The palate is voluptuous yet balanced, with soft tannins giving the wine a polished texture without sacrificing freshness. Ripe fruit remains central from the first sip through the finish, while the measured oak program adds structure and depth without overwhelming the Merlot's natural suppleness.

Winemaker's Background:

Robin Pollard founded Pollard Per Se after a career spanning agriculture, wine, tourism, and economic development. Raised on an Iowa farm and later earning a Master of Science in Agriculture, she brought a multigenerational farming perspective to the development of Pollard Vineyard near Zillah. The ten-acre site was designed around dense planting, careful clonal selection, efficient irrigation, and detailed vineyard management. Chris Camarda, founder of Andrew Will Winery and a longtime collaborator with Pollard, has provided winemaking and cellar guidance, while Patrick Rawn of Two Mountain Winery manages the vineyard. Pollard named the vineyard in honor of her parents, Kathleen and Oren Pollard, extending the family's agricultural heritage into Washington winegrowing.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve at 16 to 18 degrees Celsius in a Bordeaux-style red wine glass to emphasize the wine's dark fruit, supple texture, and aromatic detail. Pair with grilled pork chops, cassoulet, roast duck, mushroom dishes, or a cheese plate. Its soft tannins and juicy Merlot fruit also make it comfortable to enjoy on its own after dinner.