Modus Operandi Cellars
Vicarious California Merlot Blend
Napa Valley, California, USA
We make our annual trip out to Napa in about a week and a half, so I’m enjoying some wines from producers we are visiting. This is from Modus Operandi Cellars. The winemaker, Jason, has become a friend and was who helped Weston from Montagu Wines get started in the beginning. Jason submitted his Modus wines for review to Wine Advocate for the first time and did incredibly well (multiple 93-97pt wines). We are having lunch with Jason on our trip and look forward to his new releases.
The blend on this changes year to year I believe. The aromatics here and very dark and scorched. Roasted plum, dark cocoa dusted dates, cinnamon and licorice. I even picked up some Bordeaux like saddle leather here too. On the palate, it’s got chalky tannin with ripe blue and black fruit, black pepper, and an herbal finish.
We make our annual trip out to Napa in about a week and a half, so I’m enjoying some wines from producers we are visiting. This is from Modus Operandi Cellars. The winemaker, Jason, has become a friend and was who helped Weston from Montagu Wines get started in the beginning. Jason submitted his Modus wines for review to Wine Advocate for the first time and did incredibly well (multiple 93-97pt wines). We are having lunch with Jason on our trip and look forward to his new releases.
The blend on this changes year to year I believe. The aromatics here and very dark and scorched. Roasted plum, dark cocoa dusted dates, cinnamon and licorice. I even picked up some Bordeaux like saddle leather here too. On the palate, it’s got chalky tannin with ripe blue and black fruit, black pepper, and an herbal finish.
Color is a medium to deep ruby with a nose of plum, berry jam, cedar, vanilla, and maybe some pepper from the Syrah. Great balance. Some tannins present which should allow it to age a bit, but it is great now. Medium to full-bodied. A wine that I just want to have another glass. Truly excellent. Love it!
Listing states merlot blend, but this is a blend of Cab. Sav., Syrah, Merlot, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel with Cab. Sav. Coming in highest at 36%. I believe the blend can change quite a bit from year to year.
Color is a medium to deep ruby with a nose of plum, berry jam, cedar, vanilla, and maybe some pepper from the Syrah. Great balance. Some tannins present which should allow it to age a bit, but it is great now. Medium to full-bodied. A wine that I just want to have another glass. Truly excellent. Love it!
Listing states merlot blend, but this is a blend of Cab. Sav., Syrah, Merlot, Petite Sirah, and Zinfandel with Cab. Sav. Coming in highest at 36%. I believe the blend can change quite a bit from year to year.
