WIA for Pinot score of the year was a tough choice - while we loved the Convene, the Domaine Della and the Walter Hansel, and our dear friend Jason Moore knocked it out of the park with this one.

And it must be mentioned, this vintage is the LAST Gap’s Crown by Modus Operandi. Making it extra collectible.

One thing we can promise, you will not be sad when it hits your lips.

To quote Operative Sam G. in her Facebook group post: “Wow…. This was way more than I expected. Delicious 🤤”. And Jonathan S. wrote “Phenomenal for the price…seriously good Pinot.”

The Wine Independent gave this one a 94, stressing “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.”

But fair warning, 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 before this too is gone…

The elephant in the room? 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!

Not for the shy, make no mistake, these are Pinots for the Cab lovers.

The countdown starts…

94 Points – The Wine Independent “The 2022 Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir is medium ruby-purple in color. A little shy to start off, it soon opens out to reveal notes of wild strawberries, raspberry coulis, and fresh mulberries followed by touches of spearmint and crushed rocks. The medium-bodied palate vibrates with energetic red berry and mineral layers, supported by fine-grained tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and tangy. Yum! Drink 2025-2034.”