“For those that love creatively crafted, truly artisanal Napa and Sonoma wines at sensible prices for the high level of quality, I can’t recommend Modus Operandi highly enough.” – The Wine Independent

Fans of delicate, light, ethereal Pinots avert your eyes and come back another day.

What you have here is a big, bad mamma jamma of a Pinot. That’s the Modus Operandi style, and Jason Moore is a pro when it comes to it.

No wonder this is “sourced from Kosta Browne’s original block…“

That’s not the only thing that’s big here - the price break takes it from $85 way down to $35. Nearly 60% OFF?! Don’t ask how, just put your speed-reading skills to the test and get some while it’s here… did we mention the 95 points yet?!

But let’s talk about the elephant in the room next, this is GAP’S CROWN. Wine Spectator may help clarify why this vineyard at this price is a highly improbable find: “Gap’s Crown, a Sonoma Coast vineyard that supplies Pinot Noir to top producers like Kosta Browne, Patz & Hall, and MacPhail has been purchased by Bill Price (who) holds ownership interests in wineries such as Kistler, Three Sticks, Gary Farrell and Kosta Browne, as well as Durell Vineyard…”

Continuing that “The fruit has always been killer per Michael Browne of Kosta Browne, calling it ‘the backbone of our Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir’ (a Wine Spectator Wine of the Year). Located in the foothills of Sonoma Mountain, east of Rohnert Park, the vineyard offers a variety of soil types at elevations ranging from 300 to 800 feet above sea level. ‘It doesn’t get pounded by cold air,’ which is typical in the often-gusty Petaluma Gap, Browne said. Many of the vines also sit above the fog level, which benefits ripening. ‘It’s kind of a magic mix, the vineyard produces some pretty intense fruit.’ Browne said.”

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate summed up the winemaking aura here well: “Gifted winemaker Jason Moore has, for me, been outstanding and yet a little ‘edgy’… I have truly seen the method to his madness. He’s clearly a mad genius.” Mad genius indeed. He started Modus Operandi in his 20s and dropped out of UC Davis, adamant in his own ways against the tide with his unconventional approach.

That approach?

Making big, full throttle, extracted wines with a hedonistic style. With plenty of 97+ to 98 point scores under his belt, he’s a certified rockstar who stands alongside other goliaths in the industry.

He’s earned himself a dedicated and rabid fanbase over the years. And we’re pretty sure once you try this, you’ll see why.

See kiddos, dropouts don’t always end up in a van down by the river!

Back to the wine - it’s inky, extracted and on the full body side of the spectrum. Truly a Pinot for the Cab lovers. Packed with deep red and black fruit, but also with terrific spices and savory elements. Black cherries, cassis, sweet tobacco, toasty spice, maybe even some kind of earthy petrichor type thing? Straight up sultry, lush, Pinot perfection right here. How he coaxes this much depth is something we will probably never understand, just incredible. You need this in your life.

And with the limited amount we snagged, it will sell out so move quickly!

95 Points – The Wine Independent “The 2021 Pinot Noir Gap’s Crown Vineyard was tasted just prior to bottling. Medium to deep ruby-purple in color, it bursts with black cherries, fresh blackberries, and pomegranate notes, plus suggestions of clove oil, sandalwood, and cinnamon toast with a touch of Jasmine tea. The full-bodied palate delivers concentrated black berry and spicy layers, supported by finely-grained tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long and fragrant. Drink 2022-2034.”