The finish has a medium-length reign that is kind and just.

In short, this wine rules (get it?). It may not have the power and status of King George de Latour* or even Rutherford**, but those are pleasures requiring more than a serf's wages. The Napa Valley cab is a ruler of the people, for the people.

Oh, and if you're in the US, you know that we don't have (much of) a monarchy in this country. Celebrate that fact and go vote today!

Cheers,
TSW

* - George de Latour Private Reserve is BV's flagship wine, and infinitely more impressive than Henry Weinhard's Private Reserve. It also costs $50-75.

** - BV's Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon is $28 at full retail (which means you can find it for closer to $22 if you look hard enough) and worth every penny. Judging value as quality-to-price (and not just price alone) I think the Rutherford cab is a better value than even the Napa Valley, and it has a track record of consistency like the Ming dynasty. The price puts it into WoW's Splurge Wine category (over $20), but it tastes like wines twice its price, easy.

Here ye, here ye: If cabernet is king in California, this BV is like the prince dressed as a pauper. On the inside it's all royalty, but with a price tag like this, it's easy to overlook it among all the other commons.

Don't make that mistake. This is one of the best values in California cab, period, and you'd be a huge jester to pass it up.

The color is as deep a ruby as the one in his royal highness' ring. Actually, it's such a dark red that I'm sure it's a garnet, but don't tell him that.

The nose proves this prince is down to earth… literally. Earthy, mineral notes share the throne with currant, black cherry, oak and just a touch of spiciness.

On the palate, there's a little too much tannin and acidity for the mouthfeel to be as velvety-soft as the king's robe, but it's certainly as silky as his pajamas. The fruit flavors come through strong, along with the wood and a touch of anise (that came out after being open for an hour or so).