Started by Charlie Gilmore in 2018, they’ve got a really cool lineup of wines, including the brisk and bright Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay featured today. But they also make a white Rhone blend, a Vermentino, a Gamay, and a red Bordeaux blend. The sur lie-aged Sauv Blanc is what kicked them off, and the first of their wines I tasted. It’s still awesome, but I’m stoked on how they’ve branched out in recent years to fill out their portfolio.
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| Credit: Cormorant Cellars |
I’ve tried a lot of their wines and always find them to have unique flourishes and accents to their varieties and regions. And the value is incredibly reliable.
The project is named in honor of the times Charlie and his dad spent on California’s Central Coast and the timeless seabirds they would see. As a huge bird nerd, I’m also a fan of the label and aesthetic.
If you’re looking to stock up on a few wines that bring zip and freshness. And, hey, no need to worry about tariffs!
These wines were received as samples and tasted sighted.
2022 Cormorant Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Martorana Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley
SRP: $28
Pale lemon color. Spritely aromas of lemons, ruby red grapefruit, and orange peel, topped in bright, floral notes of verbena, basil, white flowers, and some chalk dust. On the palate, this is zesty and focused with nice textural depth, and flavors of lemons, oranges, green apples, and grapefruit. I really like the complex tones of minerals, chalk, white pepper, flowers, and almond skin. Really good stuff that offers a lot of depth and complexity. (92 points)
2022 Cormorant Cellars Chardonnay Zabala Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Arroyo Seco
SRP: $33
Medium yellow color. The nose exudes hay, crushed chalk, limestone, and sea salt, accenting the delightful fruit (lemon meringue, nectarine, yellow apples) – so vibrant and inviting. Racy acidity and taut on the palate with pleasantly creamy texture, balancing things nicely. Oranges, green apples, lime juice, the fruit is mixed with deeper tones of honey and almond, and airy tones of chalk dust and minerals. Balanced, pique, zesty, love its flair and appeal. (92 points)
The project is named in honor of the times Charlie and his dad spent on California’s Central Coast and the timeless seabirds they would see. As a huge bird nerd, I’m also a fan of the label and aesthetic.
If you’re looking to stock up on a few wines that bring zip and freshness. And, hey, no need to worry about tariffs!
These wines were received as samples and tasted sighted.
2022 Cormorant Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Martorana Vineyard - USA, California, Sonoma County, Dry Creek Valley
SRP: $28
Pale lemon color. Spritely aromas of lemons, ruby red grapefruit, and orange peel, topped in bright, floral notes of verbena, basil, white flowers, and some chalk dust. On the palate, this is zesty and focused with nice textural depth, and flavors of lemons, oranges, green apples, and grapefruit. I really like the complex tones of minerals, chalk, white pepper, flowers, and almond skin. Really good stuff that offers a lot of depth and complexity. (92 points)
2022 Cormorant Cellars Chardonnay Zabala Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Arroyo Seco
SRP: $33
Medium yellow color. The nose exudes hay, crushed chalk, limestone, and sea salt, accenting the delightful fruit (lemon meringue, nectarine, yellow apples) – so vibrant and inviting. Racy acidity and taut on the palate with pleasantly creamy texture, balancing things nicely. Oranges, green apples, lime juice, the fruit is mixed with deeper tones of honey and almond, and airy tones of chalk dust and minerals. Balanced, pique, zesty, love its flair and appeal. (92 points)
