Chris Zitzman

9.4

Nfn: this is a Bordeaux-caliber Claret from a vineyard and winery tucked within the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Clearly there’s Merlot as a prominent voice in the blend- but there’s no doubt that Cab Franc, Petit Verdot, and maybe some Cabernet Sauvignon play their own parts.
#enjoy — 25 days ago

with Beth

Chris Zitzman

9.5

Deep, rich garnet to the eye and right from the jump the Modus Operandi ‘Caldwell Vineyard’ Syrah works its way to the nose and somehow finds a shortcut to the favorite part of your mind. The palate is bold and complex, while coating the palate with powerful notes of tobacco, lush & smokey currant, and a finish that most certainly sticks around. — 5 months ago

with Beth

Chris Zitzman

9.7

It’s remarkable. Just a bit of a breathe and the Modus Operandi ‘22 Gaps Crown roars to life. Deep, layered stewed red fruits on the nose lead to a truly remarkable palate that evolves and blooms as it breathes. The finish just never seems to let go, and reminds me with each sip why I’ve fallen for the Gaps Crown every year I’ve tried it.
@find it — 5 months ago

with Beth

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. — a year ago

with Beth

Chris Zitzman

9.4

Smoky!

Want a reason to try some California Sangiovese?

There ya be. As it opens the fruit just seems to erupt- and all the while the smoke just kicks back, feet up, waiting.

Just outstanding. — a month ago

with Beth

Chris Zitzman

9.2

It’s the 2019 “Vicarious” Cabernet Sauvignon produced by Modus Operandi Cellars. Made by Jason Moore. IF you can find it- get it. $40 range (?) and as good as I’ve ever had at that price point. While hints of oak find their way to the nose, it’s the body that brings this one home. Rich, full and ever-growing on the palate, As it breathes the finish itself grows and leaves behind it a silky, surprisingly lush array of cassis, stewed cherry, and a texture that’s not often found in Cabs from Cali. Particularly at this price. — 4 months ago

with Beth

Chris Zitzman

9.4

This is the 2019 Burly “Simpkins Vineyard” Cab out of Coomsville (to be clear). I found this little gem (of all places) is a little beverage store in Fairview Park, Ohio called Minotti’s for a really reasonable price. And, MAN, am I glad I picked it up. I’m lucky enough to have met Hank McCrorie (“Burly”, as they called him on his college football team)- so I know the effort he makes to contend with the best out of that region. I just can’t recommend the Burly label anymore, I’m a perennial fan of whatever they produce and know that every, single, year- this stuff punches WAY above its weight class. — 8 months ago

with Beth

Chris Zitzman

9.7

The Jonata “Flor” is a damn good reason to fall back in love with Sauvignon Blanc (wish a dash of Semillon). Fresh and crisp yet lush and silky- all at the same time. And it evolves. From the nose to every bit of the palate, the “Flor” is a masterpiece. — 3 months ago

with Beth

Chris Zitzman

9.2

~ And it’s growing on me as we breathe. Right out of the glass it was a bit tight, really as expected. BUT, after a little time to breathe I only felt it should be decanted and I’m thrilled we did. The title of the wine speaks volumes to the inspirations for Jason to give this a swing- and I’m THRILLED I did. Imagine a robust, meaty interpretation of CDP that’s open to chat. (And chat beyond its years) There’s a clear and prominent silkiness as it greets the palate but not a moment later there’s a fleshy/mouth-coating impression that nudges the mind back to the power it presents. All-in, the 2021 Modus Operandi “Shoulders of the Giants” is not to miss both the reverence for history as well as care taken to make it so are paying off. — 4 months ago

Chris Zitzman

9.3

2021 Fallen Tree Vineyard, Petit Verdot. A rich, crimson color gives way to a surprisingly expressive nose of leather, cigar box and crushed raisins. The texture, while powerful, is deft in its subtly, complexity, and evolution. The finish holds-up to the texture that goes before it, though its youth is showing just a tad. You’d never guess Virginia. — 9 months ago

with Beth