Pollak Vineyards
by
K. L. Sullivan
Summary: Pollak Vineyards opened in Spring 2008. Detailed planning went into establishing Pollak Vineyards. The tasting room facility offers elegance, with a high ceiling, white walls contrasting with light wood. Large windows brighten the room and allow visitors to view the pond and nearby vineyards. A large porch extends along the tasting room. It would delightful to purchase a glass of wine and enjoy the view.
David and Margo Pollak opened Pollak Vineyards in April 2008. This was not their first experience owning a winery. In the 1970’s, David and an investor had developed a vineyard in Sonoma, California. They sold the winery in 1986.
David continued his interest in vineyards and eventually chose to start a winery in Virginia. Originally, the property had been an organic vegetable farm. The vineyards were planted in 2003. Today the vineyards consist of 25 acres of grapes. Grape varieties include Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Viognier, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Current production is 2500 cases.
We had a quick look at the winery. As with many wineries in the northern hemisphere, September is a busy month. A tank of red grapes and juice was in the process of pump-over. During fermentation the grape skins rise to the top of the tank. Juice from the bottom of the tank moved through a hose to a bin where air can come in contact with the yeast. The juice is then pumped through a hose to the top of the tank. This process mixes the grape skins with the juice and allows the yeast to receive oxygen.
Back in the tasting room we sampled several wines. The Viognier 2007 offered an apple and apricot aroma. It had a crisp taste of apple and apricot. A slightly perceived sweetness dried on the aftertaste. Estate Chardonnay 2007 had vanilla notes on the aroma with oak, vanilla and pear taste. The wine had a long finish moving from fruit to oak. The Rosé 2007 was a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Merlot. The result was a rose/orange color with a red berry aroma. The taste offered a silky mouth feel and red berries. The crisp finish was fruity and dry. Cabernet Franc 2006 had aromas of cherries, pepper and spice. There was a fruity soft mouth feel. The finish was crisp with soft tannins. It offered a very fruity aftertaste. Meritage 2005 was a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot. The color was a barely translucent purple. There was a black cherry and black raspberry aroma. The taste was soft and very fruity. The fruity finish was crisp with soft tannins. Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 had a dark purple opaque color with a cherry aroma. The taste was of cherries and spices. The crisp finish was fruit forward with tannins. There was a long fruit aftertaste.
When you visit consider purchasing a glass of wine and enjoying it on the porch that envelops the winery and overlooks a large pond, green lawns and vineyards.
Enjoy your visit to Pollak Vineyards.
Pollak Vineyards
330 Newtown Road
Greenwood, Virginia 22943
GPS: N 38° 03.462' W078° 79.391'
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