My visit to Modus Operandi was arranged by my friends at Prima Wines in California and it was the first time I had the opportunity to meet owner and winemaker Jason Moore.

I came to know about his new project months ago and had signed up for his mailing list. This visit was a great follow-up to the story that I had been following and to confirm that his project was a true rising star in the Napa Valley.

Within minutes of meeting Jason Moore I knew that we would get along famously. Jason is one of the most passionate young winemakers that I have ever met. The path that led him into winemaking is nothing short of amazing; a perfect example of someone following their destined path.

Jason, on the urging of his wife, gave up his job in 2002 to pursue his dream to make wine. Through self study, class work, luck and the generous mentoring of Napa Valley winemakers Jason has become a talented winemaker and an inspiration to other people who are pursuing their dreams in Napa.

In addition to making wines under his own labels, he is the Production Manager for a shared winery facility called “Silenus Vintners” . The facility is both a winemaking facility and wine tasting room for a dozen smaller wineries of the Napa valley. We met Jason at this facility which was just completed in 2007. The shared facility is well designed, welcoming and staffed with people who really love the wines made under their roof.

We started our visit with Jason’s 2007 Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc which was delightful; crisp and well balanced with beautiful flavors and a compelling nose similar to that of a fine New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Jason indicated that this stunning white was achieved by testing a number of different yeasts which depart a distinct flavor and aromatic profile to the wine. He believes that after numerous test batches, he has settled upon a winning combination. Our tasting group unanimously agreed.

Modus Operandi however caught my attention because of their red wine program so I was quick to suggest that we get to the 2004 Modus Operandi Napa Cabernet. When we tasted the wine a smile crossed my face. I knew that we had found a great wine and new winemaker to write about. The Cabernet was structured with a perfect balance of tannins and fruit. Jason thought that the wine was ready to drink and enjoy today and I disagreed slightly. I believe that with 3-5 years of aging, this wine will be magnificent. After years of tasting California wines, I am more patient to enjoy wines at the best potential to express their magic. This 2004 Modus Operandi Cabernet should be in every wine collector’s cellar. I rate the wine 94 points.

Antithesis aka “Love Juice”

Then Jason gave us a treat that our group will remember for a long time. This year he made a special three barrel, limited production wine which is called “Antithesis“. Jason climbed up the barrel wall with his glass “thief” and barrel sampled us on this limited production brew. After I tasted the wine I suggested that he call the wine “Love Juice” because the wine was simply spectacular. The wine reminded me on a Marquis Phillips “Integrity” Shiraz. The wine was created using a new proprietary process developed by Jason that resulted in a near perfect wine in my opinion.  I rate the 2006 Antithesis 99 points. The wine will be sold to mailing list members only and to date, this is the best new wine of the year that I have tasted.

On this trip to Napa there were three outstanding wines; “2006 Antithesis“, 2005 Hall Diamond Mountain Cabernet and 2004 Anomaly Cabernet.

I strongly recommend that you sign up for Modus Operandi’s mailing list.

---

• Back to California Wines