Modus Operandi 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

“David Grega is a certified sommelier and wine consultant living in the Napa valley. In addition to consulting and wine writing David made wine for his own label “Bellum Cellars” in 2008. E-mail davidg@wine16.com for more information.”

Winery: Modus Operandi
Vintage: 2006
Appellation: Napa Valley AVA
Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaker: Jason Moore
Oak: 100% French Oak
Average Price: $65

Winery Notes: Jason Moore is a young winemaker with copious amounts of talent and passion for winemaking. Moving to northern California from Dallas Texas on nothing more than a prayer, Jason set out to make luscious full flavoured wines, just the kind he loves to drink. Through hard work, many sacrifices and years of apprenticeships in Napa coupled with wine classes at UC Davis; Jason created Modus Operandi and released his first wines in 2004. Keep this young man on your radar screen and pick up a bottle of his extremely limited production wines. Go to www.moduswines.com for more information.

Tasting notes: The 2006 Modus Cabernet Sauvignon shows warming aromas of cinnamon, huckleberry, black cherry and baked blueberries, with a touch of caramel, soft leather and sweet oak to round out a truly hedonistic nose. Luscious, full, and loaded with well balanced flavours, the palate maintains rich dark fruit flavours from the nose as well as a delicious meaty spice note, and hints of toasted caramel to complement a long and satisfying finish.

Overall rating: 90+ points

Food Pairing Suggestions: The complexity of the 2006 Modus Cabernet allows for a much wider range of food pairings. Traditional grilled or BBQ meats are always a great idea to pair with a powerful Cabernet but this wine will drink well with wild bore, pheasant and other full flavoured game. For desert try a glass with a few pieces of 50-60% Cocoa artisan chocolates.