“At times exotic, the No.1 is a beautiful Cabernet that stands apart from the pack for its unique personality.” - Vinous, on a previous vintage

Why had we never heard of this BV?

Was the first question asked…

Perhaps because they only make a few barrels? A winery direct exclusive (sexy black label, hello?) rarely seen in the wild?! Was $95, and worth every penny at that, but at ~60% OFF on Wine Spies today?!

As Borat would say, wawaweewa!

Even more importantly, though, is this being the crown jewel of the Maestro Collection, a line of small lot ‘cherries’ honoring the legacy of André Tchelistcheff, “still considered today - two decades after his death - America’s greatest winemaker” as The Seattle Times articulates.

Let’s revisit Antonio Galloni’s Vinous for the latest “I was so impressed with the BV wines this year. Trevor Durling, just the 5th winemaker in BV’s long history, has brought a much-needed breath of fresh air to the estate… Georges de Latour is the best young vintage of the flagship wine I have ever tasted, while the Rutherford Reserve will thrill readers who are on a more modest budget.”

Guess what? Both have RANCH NO. 1 to thank as a core part of their blends, and their legacy. A Decanter highlight points out that “When George and Fernande Latour first saw the breathtaking expanse of Napa Valley near Rutherford, Fernande exclaimed ’Quel beau lieu!’, words that have been immortalized in the name of the vineyard founded by the Latours in 1900. This sense of wonder, alongside the wealth of winemaking and viticulture knowledge brought by George from Bordeaux, are the foundations of Beaulieu Vineyard, and the principles that still guide the company 122 years on.”

That “vineyard founded by the Latours in 1900” is still what’s in our glasses 122 years later. Crème de cassis, spice box, chocolate, and flowers all soar from the glass. This ruby-hued beauty is full-bodied, with a multi-dimensional, layered texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a towering finish. While it’s elegantly styled as yesteryear’s BVs that “The Maestro” made, it remains a modern-day classic.

All we got was a pallet or so. Apologies in advance to those who will miss it as this crazy low price.