"The Show" is a new wine from Rebel Wine Company, makers of the "Three Thieves" line of jug wines, which have been quite an interesting marketing phenomenon.  For those unfamiliar with "Three Thieves", it is a line of wines selling for under 10 dollars in 1 liter glass jugs that look like old whiskey bottles.  They made a cabernet, a pinot, some other varietals, but seemed best known for their zinfandel.  They were clearly marketing younger drinkers on a limited budget who would be typically strapped for cash.  The whole thing seemed gimmicky to me, and I stayed away.  What I did not realize was that the winemaker for that project is Joel Gott, who has done a great job producing lower priced wines under his own "Joel Gott" label.  He typically sources his grapes from areas of the state that command less premium on the grape market, and he passes the savings on to the consumer.  This can be tricky business, since the less heralded areas often times have lousy grapes.  But he has succeded in this arena, finding good quality fruit at low costs and making good quality low priced wines in the under 15-20 dollar category"

"The Show" is another label launced by the same consortium that makes Three Theives.  They once again brought in Joel Gott as the wine maker.  The Show seems to fill a niche between the Joel Gott private label and the Three Thieves label.  They seem to want to appeal to a country western crowd, and others who may be put off by pretencious wines.  The wine has a fun looking label with cowboys and horses.  I believe they have three different labels on the market, but all have the same wine.  The wine comes in a conventional 750ml dark wine bottle.  I was tipped off as to this wine from another wine enthusiast via e-mail.  I had never heard of it.  I picked up a bottle at the Del Mar Wine Company and tried it.  It was really quite good.  It certainly can't compete with a lot of the premium Napa cabs in the $40 and up range, but it competes well with many wines in the under 25 dollar range.  I paid 14 dollars for the wine (at a full retail shop), but have seen it for $12 at K and L and other places.  It is made from California Cabernet Sauvignon from un-named regions.  The wine has good color, nice bouquet of blackberry, spice and molasses, and a pleasant finish.  The wine is a 2005, and drinks like a young wine.  It will be better in a year.  It has a young cab aggressive edge to it, but this will soften.  Those who like edgey wines such as Petite Sirah will like it now.  Those who prefer Bordeaux style blends should sit on this for a year or two.

Overall, I consider this wine a success, and I am glad to see more quality wines hitting the marketplace for under 15 dollars.  Good job.

3.5 stars

 

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