Modus Operandi Cellars
Center of Gravity Sauvignon Blanc
Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, USA
I’m a fan of the Modus wines and Jason, but think he excels when he experiments (like his Antithesis red). What makes this unique is the transferring of their single-vineyard Sauvignon Blanc from barrel to tank for bottling, then combining the yeast lees from all 10 barrels back into two new French oak barrels from the vintage. Then, it’s reintroduced to the newly homogenized wine from the tank into the barrels with the 10x yeast lees for an extra 1.5 years of aging.
Almost three years since my last one, and not much has changed. The signature of this wine is the creamy mouthfeel. This is in the vein of many “Super SauvBlancs” but where it differs is that it doesn’t go too overboard in how tropical/sweet it is (still has a tropical vibe though). White peach, underripe pineapple, honeysuckle on the nose. Great texture on the palate with salted lemon cream, pear, and a vein of mineral/limestone poking through with the acidity. Mouthfeel goes on even after the last drop. Will cruise for a few more years, but this is in the zone right now.
His ‘20 is on sale at the moment…for $45, it’s a wonderful QPR.
I’m a fan of the Modus wines and Jason, but think he excels when he experiments (like his Antithesis red). What makes this unique is the transferring of their single-vineyard Sauvignon Blanc from barrel to tank for bottling, then combining the yeast lees from all 10 barrels back into two new French oak barrels from the vintage. Then, it’s reintroduced to the newly homogenized wine from the tank into the barrels with the 10x yeast lees for an extra 1.5 years of aging.
Almost three years since my last one, and not much has changed. The signature of this wine is the creamy mouthfeel. This is in the vein of many “Super SauvBlancs” but where it differs is that it doesn’t go too overboard in how tropical/sweet it is (still has a tropical vibe though). White peach, underripe pineapple, honeysuckle on the nose. Great texture on the palate with salted lemon cream, pear, and a vein of mineral/limestone poking through with the acidity. Mouthfeel goes on even after the last drop. Will cruise for a few more years, but this is in the zone right now.
His ‘20 is on sale at the moment…for $45, it’s a wonderful QPR.
Celebrating Wifey’s birthday. Just like my wife, this wine is stand-out. Love it!
Celebrating Wifey’s birthday. Just like my wife, this wine is stand-out. Love it!
Oct 25th, 2023Further improved with air exposure. We love this SB expression. Secure some if you can.
Further improved with air exposure. We love this SB expression. Secure some if you can.
Dec 24th, 2022Single-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.
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.
Subtle, yet riveting.
Only one barrel produced. For such a rare gem, at $75 per, I consider this to be close to faultless, and extremely virtuous.
Subtle, yet riveting.
Only one barrel produced. For such a rare gem, at $75 per, I consider this to be close to faultless, and extremely virtuous.
We were fortunate enuf to secure a case of this 19 vintage. Impressive for its subtlety and poise.
We were fortunate enuf to secure a case of this 19 vintage. Impressive for its subtlety and poise.
Mar 13th, 2022I found this to be very similar to the Crescere in that the aroma was intoxicating and exotic. The palate was complex and layered. While this had more of a wispy mouthfeel, I loved it for its honeycomb and passion fruit notes, which played off light acidity.
Only one barrel produced, so it may be easier to find rocking horse shit!
From @David L and Kristen’s cellar. Can’t thank you guys enough!
I found this to be very similar to the Crescere in that the aroma was intoxicating and exotic. The palate was complex and layered. While this had more of a wispy mouthfeel, I loved it for its honeycomb and passion fruit notes, which played off light acidity.
Only one barrel produced, so it may be easier to find rocking horse shit!
From @David L and Kristen’s cellar. Can’t thank you guys enough!
Get some of this direct from the winery. For the loot, one of the very best Cali SB’s out there…
Bivio, Montclair, NJ.
Get some of this direct from the winery. For the loot, one of the very best Cali SB’s out there…
Bivio, Montclair, NJ.
Absolutely stunning wine with my Dover Sole and hollandaise sauce, which was made from scratch by yours truly…
Must we discuss the wine? Wispy and delicate nose of sherbet, and fresh cut flowers. Displays a polished mid palate of candied citrus fruits with a hint of beeswax. Finishes with balance and a deft amount of sweetness. Acidity plays a secondary role. Outstanding.
Absolutely stunning wine with my Dover Sole and hollandaise sauce, which was made from scratch by yours truly…
Must we discuss the wine? Wispy and delicate nose of sherbet, and fresh cut flowers. Displays a polished mid palate of candied citrus fruits with a hint of beeswax. Finishes with balance and a deft amount of sweetness. Acidity plays a secondary role. Outstanding.
