Cycles Gladiator Cabernet Sauvignon: Wine imitating porn?

I read about this some time ago and it still perturbs me. It’s in regard to a controversial wine label and a label that never crossed my mind as even being remotely lewd. The label in question is taken from an 1985 art poster for Cycles Gladiator bicycles. Well, obviously, I do not hold the same view as Alabama’s liquor control agency. It appears that they perceive this label as porn. Bob Martin, staff attorney for the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, said Alabama's liquor regulations prohibit labels with "a person posed in an immoral or sensuous manner."

There is absolutely nothing immoral about this label. Is it sensuous? Well, yes, but not in a sexual way. Bill Leigon, president of Hahn Family Wines, makers of Gladiator wines said, “it’s one of the most sought-after pieces of art in the world.” Leigon said original lithographs of the Cycles Gladiator image go for up to $50,000 apiece, putting them on par with pieces done by famed Parisian lithographer Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Well, we all know any publicity is good publicity so I would love to see how much Gladiator has profited since all the controversy.

If you have never tried Cycles Gladiator wines they are worth a look. The wines are very reasonably priced. The 05’ cabernet is one of the best Cabernets under $10 that I have ever tasted. Loaded with cherry, tobacco, cedar and cigar box I was blown away by the quality. It seriously tasted like a $20-$30 wine. Unfortunately, 06’ and 07’ have not been able to duplicate the quality of their predecessor. Whether you like your wine labels naughty or clean give Cycles Gladiator a look, literally and figuratively.