“I’ve always considered wine a blend of art and science. You must understand the science on which to apply the art. If you don’t understand the science, you miss the fundamentals,” said David Taylor, Owner of Cordant Winery in Paso Robles, California. This statement set the tone of Cordant’s approach to winemaking which has been known for its “zen-like, vineyard-centric approach.” The results? They’re in each glass of exceptional wine.
At this time, Cordant is undergoing a renovation of sorts with an expansion of its production and the additions of General Manager Nikki Smith and Winemaker Scott Stelzle whose wines will be released in 2023. Formerly known as Cordant/Nelle, Cordant is the brand name going forward and that brand name is one to have on the radar. Currently Cordant produces approximately 3500 cases per year with over 10 different SKUs. 90% of the wines are sold direct to consumer (DTC).
After a successful, 30+ year career in technology and Silicon Valley, David Taylor “rekindled his entrepreneurial skills” and followed his passion for Pinot Noir and Rhône wines in 2014 when Cordant was founded. No stranger to developing products, David was vice president of software at GoPro, Co-Founder and CEO at CineForm, a company that developed editing and special effect video products for Technicolor and Microsoft, Director of Marketing at C-Cube Microsystems and Applications Manager at Cypress Semiconductor.
Taylor explained, “Throughout my career I’ve always loved the product that I made. It’s true in tech and it’s true in wine. I love what I’m doing so that allows me to put in the long hours. It gets my adrenaline going. As I started a winery, I knew I had to be excited about it. Also, I love running businesses. Not having run a winery before, it’s fun for me. It’s romantic, but we’re running a manufacturing business and it’s messy and it’s dirty. It’s also a lot of hard work and a lot of hours.”
David Taylor, Owner of Cordant Winery
Grapes for Cordant wines are sourced from 25 acres in superior vineyards along a 180 mile swath of California’s Central Coast. Many vineyards are chosen “with intention for vineyard designation because of their unique ability to express a specific location. Others are chosen purposefully to demonstrate what vineyards can do in combination and for their ability to contribute to a greater good. They’re vineyards that have passionate people behind them and offer a variety and diversity of terroir.”
“We aren’t drifting the wines in a specific path. We don’t have an agenda from the vineyard, but to express what those sites offer naturally. Not only do we have to pay attention to the grapes, we have to pay attention to the process,” stated David. In essence, the mantra is “without agenda, but close attention to detail.” Cue the ideas of art and science.
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are sourced from Escolle Vineyard: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA (Monterey County), Radian Vineyard: Sta. Rita Hills AVA (Santa Barbara County), Bien Nacido Vineyard and Solomon Hills Vineyard: Santa Maria Valley AVA (Santa Barbara County) and
Spanish Springs Vineyard: SLO Coast AVA (San Luis Obispo County). A vineyard-designate Pinot Noir Rosé from Escolle Vineyard in Santa Lucia Highlands is also produced.
One of many maps seen in the Cordant Winery tasting room
Rhône style wines are produced from fruit found at Coastview Vineyard: Gabilan Mountains AVA (Monterey County), Escolle Vineyard: Santa Lucia Highlands AVA (Monterey County), Wills Hills Vineyard: Willow Creek District AVA (Paso Robles), Rolph Vineyard: Adelaida District AVA (Paso Robles) and ENZ Vineyard: Lime Kiln Valley (San Benito County) among others. Varieties include Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Counoise, Cinsault, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Viognier and Picpoul. Cordant offers vineyard designate wines for many Rhône varieties including Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre. Fruit is also blended to create distinct flavor profiles including the “Maniacal” GSM blend along with Grenache and Syrah blends.
David and his wife DeAnn Taylor graciously hosted me at their home for a wine pairing with lunch and soon thereafter for a tour and tasting at the newly renovated Cordant tasting room located at the entrance of Tin City, a veritable playground of wine, food, ciders, breweries and more in Paso Robles. Wines I tasted with David and DeAnn were elegant, fresh and balanced – each expressed brilliant characteristics of the varieties and the nuances of the vineyards – just what David wants. In fact, he remarked that “we want balance in the wine with the fruit showing its power and telling the story of the vineyards.”
At both tastings, I found that 2020 Cordant Radian Pinot Noir, a vineyard-designate Pinot, showed depth and breadth with each sip and David and DeAnn consider it one of their favorites. As a Grenache lover, 2020 Cordant Wills Hills Grenache ticked all of my boxes for balance, flavor, acidity and its ability to pair with food. 2021 Cordant Resolution, a just-right blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Picpoul and Viognier sourced from two westside Paso Robles vineyards, was as refreshing and flavorful as it gets – especially when enjoyed on a hot Paso Robles afternoon.
A few days later, I swirled and sipped new releases with an array of delectable foods. 2019 Old Vine Enz Mourvedre, a bold, savory and mouthwatering wine, paired beautifully with grilled vegetable ratatouille tartine. 2020 Maniacal, a GSM blend with plenty of fruit, spice, acidity and optimal tannic structure, was complemented with juicy prime beef sliders. Duck confit pasty and 2020 Coastview Syrah were a fusion of flavors never to be forgotten… Finally, 2019 Terraces Reserve Syrah with steak tartare bruschetta evolved into wine and food nirvana.
During our conversation and tastings, it was obvious that David and DeAnn Taylor are exactly where they want to be and doing exactly what fuels their passion. Their generosity and hospitality are remarkable (and appreciated) and if you visit the tasting room, there’s a good chance one or both will be there to chat a bit – yet another reason to visit Cordant Winery.
DeAnn remarked that “Paso Robles is one big community. Although wineries seem to be in competition with each other, we’re really not. There is much camaraderie.” David agreed. “We love it here. This is an up and coming wine region,” he said. “It has the dynamics and the diversity of grape varieties that we’re looking for along the central coast. And Paso seems to be the shining star.”
From what I’ve learned and tasted so far, the wines of Cordant have added to the brilliance of the Central Coast.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
