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Modus Ruffino 2011 Wine Review

Modus Ruffino 2011

Modus Ruffino 2011

Tuscany I.G.T., Italy

Community Score:91/100

Community Reviews: 20

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Price: $32.95

Drink: 2015-2021

Bottle size: 750 ml

Alcohol: 14%

Sweetness: Extra Dry

Wine Type: Red Wine


Winery: Modus

Agent: Arterra Wines Canada Inc.

Natalie's Score: 93/100

A seductive nose of violets and wild blackberries gives way to a much more robust palate of fleshy black fruit, smoke, tar, graphite and oak. This truly is a Super Tuscan blend that delivers year after year. Layered, complex and offering a long, satisfying finish. Decant 1-2 hours. Pair with prime rib.

Food pairings: pork tenderloin, grilled chicken, autumn hodge-podge.

Plush Pork Wine

This Modus Ruffino 2011 was reviewed on October 31, 2015 by Natalie MacLean

More Vintages: 2019  2018  2017  2016  2014 

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Pricing & Stock Information

Reviews and Ratings

Courtney Flood rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Super Tuscans are a way for Italian winemakers to break the mould on strict Italian wine laws but still convey a high quality of product. This wine has the quality without the excessive cult-wine prices. This wine is rich and viscous with dark chocolate, blueberry and cherry with a perfume of eucalyptus and a bite of black pepper.
Rachelle O'Connor rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Super Tuscan style - Modus does not disappoint! On the nose - lots of chocolate covered blueberries, blackberries and black licorice. Full body, great tannins and a lingering dark chocolate aftertaste. You can drink now or cellar for 5 plus years.
Cherie Cole rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Since it was first introduced to the market in 1997, Modus has perfected the definition of a Super Tuscan. Aged in small barrels, this vintage, comprised of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot boasts intense aromas of ripe cherry, blackberry and plum with hints of tobacco leaf and mint. With its silky tannins and rich mouthfeel, this wine would pair beautifully with game and braised meats. Tasted October 18, 2015 - Ruffino dinner.
Terry Jeans - Certified S rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

This is terrific example of the Super Tuscan style from Ruffino. It is a full-bodied, robust wine with lots of ripe, rich, dark fruit aromas and flavors; and well-integrated secondary notes of cedar, vanilla from the small barrels used in the aging process.

The complexity and the acidity of this 2011 Modus is hard to beat for food friendliness, it would pair well with heavy, protein-based dishes, such as the classic spaghetti and meatballs. It would soften with a few more years in the cellar, but perfectly drinkable right now and it will impress your friends with it's incredible quality and relatively reasonable price .
Craig Kuziemsky rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

The nose offers a wonderful medley of dark fruit, cedar and vanilla with the palate adding some cherry and mocha flavor. Tannins were present but not overwhelming and the finish was soft and lingering. Would pair perfect with tomato based pasta or grilled meat. A great value at $29.95 at the LCBO.
Douglas McMillan rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Black plums, blackberries, raisin, black and white pepper, graphite, cigar box and more. A very aromatically complex wine with tons of depth. A velvety mouth-feel with flavours of plum, black cherry, and blackberry. Nice tannins and well balanced acidity. Perfect for a gourmet burger with a firm cheese.
Matt Steeves - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Ruffino's Modus has taken the LCBO market by storm quickly becoming a fan favourite with a cult-like following that clears it from the LCBO shelves within days of its annual release. It's no reason why this Super Tuscan has done so well in Canada. At $29, this wine delivers in every imaginable way. Deep ruby colour, packed with dark fruits, plums, sweet spices, leather, and mint. Full bodied with a soft mouthfeel, this crowd pleasing blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot is a wine to buy by the case. Enjoy with bbq fare, hearty dishes, or my personal favourite with this wine, veal osso buco.
Tasted August 2014. 91 points. Matt Steeves - @QuercusVino
Jon Steeves - Sommelier rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Ruffino Modus 2011 vintage is a bold Super Tuscan IGT, featuring a blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot. This wine is packed with juicy and bold, densely concentrated aromatics of dark chocolate, plum, blackberry, dark cherry with a hint of tobacco leaf and mint. on the eyes, Modus is a deep ruby with violet hue. Even the appearance invites a deep dive into it
Sean O'Regan - Certified Sommelier rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

August 17, 2014: Deep ruby/purple, dark fruit, earthy, savoury, dried herbs, and a hint of smoke/asphalt. Full bodied, repeating aromas on the palate along with toasty oak and mineral. Nicely balanced, but the tannins could use some taming with a few years in the cellar. Italian sausage in tomato based sauce on pasta would go nice.

Tasted again blind, Oct 23, 2014 - nose showed more coffee, toasted oak notes than my previous notes. Suggest waiting a few years for oak to better integrate.
Jennifer Havers - WSET Level 3 rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

A smooth, rich wine with aromas of plum, dried fruit, pepper and an earthy hint. The flavours are deep and intense and the tannins are not overpowering. Overall this wine is very balanced and enjoyable. The oak comes through and complements the fruit and spicy flavours well.
Heather Wall - CS; WSET Advanced rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Ruffino's Modus is definitely a crowd pleaser. At $29 it behaves like a rich Uncle. Full-bodied with supple tannins. Deep ruby colour with thick legs in the glass. Aromas and flavours are abundant. Luscious dark fruit(plum,black cherry, black raspberry, cassis), raisin, toast, cedar, clove,black earth , cellar floor. Robust and not for the faint of heart. Long length on the warm fruit driven finish. Dry.
Drink now but has potential for aging. 5 years +
Pair with better cuts of meat, veal, game
Tasted : August 2014
#Ottawawines
Donna Hargrove rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

A delicious blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the full bodied Italian is bold in colour and flavour. Scents of berries and spice on the nose followed by berry and vanilla flavours. Perfect for sipping on its own with friends, or paired with a tomato/beef dish. Tasted October 18, 2015.
Chris Coughlin - WSET level 3 grad rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

Dark and stewed fruit aromas and flavours, blackberry, sultana and cooking spice. This is a big wine, pair with Prime Rib etc.
Valérie Dufour - Accredited Sommelier rated this wine as 88/100 with the following review:

Aromatic nose of black cherries, wood and spices. A crowd pleaser supertoscan made with Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Full mouth of black fruit and a touch of smoke. The tannins are melted. Not super long, but really easy (and ready) to drink. Carafe it an hour before.
Community Reviewer reviewed this wine as follows:

Tasting profile: At the palate it is full-bodied and harmonious and characterized by the finesse of its silky tannins. The taste is exalted by a remarkable pleasantness and freshness and a texture in which each varietal adds its own distinctive trait. The finish is incredibly persistent, with an aftertaste of black berry fruit and cocoa.

Source: NB Liquor Stores

2 Members would buy this wine again

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