Ron R

9.7

Such a nice touch from Jason Moore (winemaker). Stunning without being OTT. Focused and pure blueberry jam with notes of dark roasted coffee. Pristine tannins keep this upright. Best product I’ve tasted from this producer.
My boys were impressed. — 3 days ago

with Andrew and Rick

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2021 vintage. Decanted. Gained strength throughout. Some bright, candied cherry as per this vineyard’s modus operandi. Decent amount of structure. This could be hastened/rushed but why? Stash and crash in a decade. 10.03.25. — 2 months ago

Ron R

9.6

This was a crowd-pleaser along with the very low production back-story. The winemaker is self taught and risked everything to produce his own wines. This wine is uncommon in its flavor profile and sheer regal elegance. The last bottle I had frightened me as it displayed signs of decay, but not this. This was powerful and stole the day.
Sag Habor — 5 months ago

with Anne-marie

Ron R

9.4

Absolutely smoking hot tonight. Competed with the Mica and Modus Sage Ridge. Coravin’d and presented so well. Soft and pure palate. Blueberry pie nose. Medium tannins with a broad shouldered structure. Nice balance with excellent weight and texture. Bright acidity and sweetness finished off what I considered to be the best vintage I’ve tasted from Sinegal — 9 months ago

with Mo

Chris Zitzman

9.1

This is the 2019 Caldwell Vineyard Syrah from Jason Moore’s top line entitled Modus Operandi. Second time I’ve reviewed it- to the year, almost to the dot, so this should be interesting. After a breathe and a thorough decant, it unfolds as the minutes go by. The nose, which even just opened was expressive, is now blooming from the glass with hints of violets but bacon-fat is right on its heals. And dummy me pouring it a little too cold to start likely muting some of those deeper notes… but as it warms those fleshy notes and rich textures are coming to the fore. — 7 days ago

Chris Zitzman

9.5

The last bottle of our joyous case of Jason Moore’s “Modus Operandi”, Gaps Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir from the 2021 Vintage. It’s been a blast to revisit the wine over the past year (or so). Genuinely each bottle has been a sort of deep-cherry gradient of a Pinot that behaves more like a soft-spoken Cabernet. Full and rich from the nose on the jump and softening elegantly with a bit of a decant to a tide of rich currant and a smoky bit of just the right bit of funk- it’s as unique as the first bottle we tried a year ago, though there’s ‘more’ of it. He said, hoping the description makes sense but doubting it does unless- you too- are ‘experienced’. Peppery notes lace the closing on the palate, and work harmoniously within the texture of the powerful & lingering finish. I’m giving this bottle the 9.5 as more of a cumulative grade/opinion of the twelve bottles we’ve enjoyed over the year, with this bottle being what may be the best of them all. Kudos J. — 3 months ago

with Beth

Jeremiah Diaz

9.1

Deep ruby in color; cherries, blackberries, and graphite on the nose; high acidity; medium plus tannins; tastes like cassis, black plums, and tomato leaves with a long finish. Nellie likes it, and I do too. — 6 months ago

with Nellie

Chris Zitzman

10

Wine of the year. I spent a chunk of change on this puppy made by Matt Dees out of Ballard Canyon in the Santa Ynez Valley out of faith. Well, faith and trust because I’m a huge fan of Mr. Dees so… I had cause. The 2018 vintage (a great one all around) was ripe for the picking for this astounding blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, & 11% Perit Verdot. Even off the pop it was inviting, even as powerful as it be. After a quick decant, rich and silky aromas waft from the glass that lead to one of the most elegant palates I’ve come across this side of Paillaic. I’ve had some top-notch California Cults in my time- but this is something different. The nose itself is silken, with gentle notes of classic nuance and silken power that hints at what’s to come. And as this incredible blend finds its way onto the palate it simply overwhelms the senses in such a simple, beautiful way…it just hits all the buttons in a graceful and luxurious way that will only grow and bloom as you realize what you’ve been lucky enough to try.. while you may keep in mind that I’ve yet to try each and every North American wine, I’ve had examples of the Opus One, Quilceda. Creek, Hundred Acre, various Shraeders , the Modus Operandi “Antithesis” (which is entirely overlooked in its own right)- this is the one that makes me want to throw it against the very best of the “First Growths”. it’s just phenomenal. Get it while you can. — 2 days ago

Dave

9.4

Here I go again. I'm a sucker for this wine. I bought 3 bottles today.
Listening to Cake. — 4 months ago

Ron R

9.6

Pure. Exemplary. Dare I say titties 👀💪🏾
Forgive me lord for I have sinned…. — 9 months ago

with Mo