It's rare that you pick a truly great wine based solely on the label. Sure, we all pick wines based on the label, but really how many times does that pay off, especially with a wine just over $10? Not often in my world, so let me know if I'm doing something wrong. But, in the case of Rebel Wine Company's The Show, the label is unique and beautifully designed and so is the wine.

The label was done by Hatch Show Print, a perennial rock and country music concert poster design group that's been doing what they do since 1879. You can see some of their work at http://www.ryman.com/HatchGallery.html. Well worth a look particularly since they did three different labels for the same wine (below).

From there, the folks at Rebel, including Joel Gott of Gott Wines, have put together a truly tasty blend of several different varietals, representing all things right with California wine:

42.0% Monterey County Cabernet Sauvignon
28.0% Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
10.0% Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
8.0% Monterey County Merlot
6.0% Napa Valley Cabernet Franc
3.0% Dry Creek Valley Petite Sirah
3.0% Napa Valley Petite Verdot

This is a big everyday wine, a stellar companion to a big fat juicy burger or a nice steak on the grill. Or, just damn fine on its own. And, it's so reasonably priced, I have more of the Show than any other wine in my collection. Buy it now, please, so Three Thieves keep making it.

My overall rating for The Show: 89
My rating for The Show compared to other similarly priced wines: 93