Dave

9.0

Why do i buy this wine every time i see it? 😆
Listening to George and Tammy — 17 days ago

Stuart Pollack

9.5

M.O.’s Edcora Vineyard is much better than its Sage Ridge Vineyard. Powerful and strong but not over-extracted. Better in five years but still drinkable now. Complex flavor palette with pepper, leather, earth mixed with a dark and brooding side. Peppery nose. Worth its $85 price. — 4 months ago

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 months ago

Shay A

9.4

I’m scoring as is today, but I really think this inches upward a bit over the next 5-7yrs.

This fell victim to curiosity (as well as a ‘21 Modus Operandi UV-Laguna Pinot). I’ve had a few of Lato’s entry and mid-level offerings, but this was my first Pisoni from them. Loved it.

Profile wise, this is similar to Dumol (not as big as Aubert, but not a lean style either). A very pretty down-the-middle style. While the aromatics here were lovely (honeysuckle, faint lemon cream, citrus and sweet baking spices), the texture of this wine was a standout. Sports much more depth than initially expected (yellow fruits, peach, apricot, pink cotton candy, limestone)…not quite a lees-y style, but close, while remaining elegant and light on its feet (good acidity). Oak is there but plays a supporting role. For being so young, this was a supremely balanced wine. I need to consider buying more. — 2 years ago

Ron R

9.5

Single-barrel scarcity makes this a “must try.” It generates a meaningful event and a good disruption on the palate.
Green apples combine with melon and bright acidity - the signature of a typical SB. Moderately sweet. Serve it to those who appreciate uncommon excellence in wine. Approach the winery for this. — 4 years ago

with Anne-marie

Chris Zitzman

9.5

Even in Its youth, the 2018 Modus Operandi Cellars Pinot from the oft-heralded Bacigalupi Vineyard is more than just approachable- it’s unreal. The nose is already in bloom with oodles of Burgundy-like bramble berry, while the mouthfeel is as silk should be defined.
Frankly, I’ve never had a Pinot Noir like it, anywhere near it’s price. Not even close. — 6 years ago

with Beth

Stuart Pollack

9.3

Smooth and slightly sweet Cabernet Sauvignon. A lovely wine. Not as good as the Chene de Bangor but very tasty and exceptional. — 3 days ago

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. — 7 months ago

with Andrew and Rick

Chris Zitzman

9.4

Tried the ‘21 Gaps Crown, this bottle being a good six months from last we tried - and it is clearly rounding into form. From the looks of it- the how is a Cab. As in: ‘did I open the right bottle?’ Kind of double-take. But the second you breathe it in and take a few sips, well; you’ll find yourself back at the same question that you have an inclination has so-far gone unsolved. This is the third bottle we’ve opened of the same wine & vintag; some three months apart. To put a fine point on it: it’s from high-end stock that’s starting to come into its prime. And what a prime is be. — 2 years ago

with Beth

Sam Maniar

9.0

Very nice. Lots of flavor. Smooth. Served too warm, but solid. — 3 years ago

Michael Chelus

9.1

Black cherry, vanilla, raspberry, blackberry, plum, licorice and oak. Full-bodied and soft tannins. — 4 years ago

Chris Zitzman

9.0

This is the Central Coast, “Vicarious” Pinot from Modus Operandi- and it behaves nothing like what one’s expectations may be for such a thing. I’d love to hear about some of the vineyards because this Pinot, for its price, personality & value brings it. Delightful notes of spice box on the nose that leads directly to a welcome and syrupy palate of rich cherry, boysenberry and even some smoke towards the finish. I paid, with my own money to pick up six bottles of this debut effort of the Vicarious brand that was sourced from what must be some of the best vineyards for Pinot in ALL of the “central coast”. This is some great juice.
@ifyalikepinotyagottateyit. — 6 years ago

with Beth

Eva Rosenberg

10

Perfect orange — 6 years ago

Stuart Pollack

9.8

Strong but smooth and elegant. Must be consumed with steak. A paradigm of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. — 2 months ago

Ron R

9.7

Black as the night in the glass. A clone of the 19 vintage, only more sexy and voluptuous. Round, curvaceous and supple on the palate. Presents cocoa and a hint of barrel toast. So opulent and pure. Tannins are awesome and the acidity is bright. More brilliance from Jason Moore…
@Rick K — 6 months ago

with Anne-marie

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. — 9 months ago

Ron R

9.1

Winemaker has recently announced that he’ll no longer make this. It’s well behaved and shows its vineyard pedigree. A good rosé bites the dust - Bivio, Montclair. — 2 years ago

Ron R

9.5

Outstanding example of Cali Pinot. Even more so since this is 2012 vintage. Overripe cherries and coffee notes explode on the nose. The palate displays crunchy black fruits along with syrop de cassis. Superb grainy tannins combine with bright acidity. A reference point in Sonoma/Cali.

Here are my top 2023 tastings by type. Let me know what your favorites are…

2023 Wines of my Year
Sauvignon Blanc - Modus Operandi (2021) - $45
Chablis - Domaine Genot-Boulanger Puligny Montrachet (2020) - $85
Chardonnay - Kongsgaard (2020) - $120
Pinot - Aston Estate (2012) - $70
Cabernet - Sinegal (2019) - $75 &
Cabernet - Lewelling (2019) - $59 — 3 years ago

with Anne-marie

Scott G

9.0

Very fresh summer squeeze of lemon and apple, with just a hint of greater complexity within but not enough to stop and think about. — 5 years ago

Shawn R

9.5

As the race for New World SB get’s more fierce this is a can’t miss. Hit all the elements. Nice cross between grapefruit and lime, strikes me a tangerine. From start to finish a great SB. — 6 years ago