I would say stylistically sits in between the regular Schramsberg and the J. Schram offerings. I was able to purchase a few half bottles visiting the winery. I’ve never had Modicum before, so I’m not entirely sure if oxidatively style is typical, but it was definitely there. A lot of almond skin and a baked quality to all the fruit: apple, pear, and lemon zest. I’m not sure if Thomas Keller would care, but we had it with some grocery store bruleed cheesecake. The lower acidity in the BdB didn’t make the pairing awful. Since so many of the reviews of this wine are tied to being at one of Keller’s restaurants I wonder if the scores are romanticized. Overall, glad it was a half bottle because I wouldn’t want to finish a full 750ml. 2020 wasn’t a kind vintage in California so maybe it’s why the palate overall felt disjointed and not cohesive. The mid palate sort of falls off.
J. Schram even if it does have a little roasted character is much richer and rounder. The acidity of the wine too is high and you can feel it in your cheeks… the mouth kind, not the butt kind… maybe the butt kind if you drink enough.