2007 Modus: Guess I’ll never learn…

I’ve done this now for 16-17 years. Tasting wine. I have many to thank along the way for guidance and recommendations on what to buy – and what to avoid. The last three or four years however, I’ve started to walk my own way out of plain curiosity and because it is more rewarding; at least for me. But still there are those irresistible occasions that I simply can’t reject, even if I know I sometimes should. If I say I’m not buying wine with high ratings from a qualified  taster, I’m lying. Of course I am. After all, how can one resist 96 points at 30 Euros?

Somewhere deep inside I knew it was too good to be true. Still, out of curiosity and of course eager to make the buy of the decade, I ordered to check it out – 2007 Modus from Ruffino. A wine receiving such a respectable score and also entering the Wine Spectator Top 100 list last year (#25), I just had to try.

Friends visiting. Bottle decanted and served blind. I’m the only one who knows. I’m keen on seeing the reactions around the table.

Nothing happens. It doesn’t go down quickly that’s for sure. “Probably Italian” I hear. “Some tannins in this one, huh” is another reaction. “I think the other one we had was much better” is another comment (this one).

Personally I must say this is a young wine in need of some further bottle age. It’s a very nice glass though. But somewhere along the way, it doesn’t really kick ass which I’d expect a 96 points wine should do. To give the wine a fair chance I’m saving it for the next two days, to see if it is in need of more time to bloom. On the second day the toasted oak is taking the lead. I pick up a fascinating iron scent on the nose, some moist leather, fennel and pepper. Besides that, there’s Victoria plums, morellos, licorice, tobacco and a slightly green/herbal note.

On the palate it has a compact tannin structure, a good portion fruit, fine classy acidity and intense length. Bordeaux meets modern Tuscany taste. Plums, blackcurrants, licorice, tar, iron, morellos, spices and toasted oak. Almost oriental spices. Extremely well-made but I miss the elegance. I tries to, it really does, but never reaches. You can almost taste the frustration of the wine; “Why can’t I be elegant?”

Still. I’m a nice guy. I mostly write about wines I do like and although a bit disappointed, I do consider the 2007 Modus an outstanding wine. Not nearby 96 points but still a wine I like to drink. It is great with food by the way. But I have again yet again not learned the lesson; if it sounds too good, then just move along. Yes; rejecting it could mean I miss the buy of the decade but please Niklas; you’re still waiting for such a buy! Guess I’ll end up falling for the 96 p trick again, again and again…

2007 Modus, Ruffino, Tuscany, 90-91 p

Can be found here. The retailer has invented a new rating system as well for the wine; 96 Parker points given by Wine Spectator.

Want to read more about the wine? Check out the producer’s site here.

PS. It’s a blend of 50 per cent Sangiovese and equal parts of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.