The Prisoner 2013 Napa Valley Red Wine
Established in 2009, The Prisoner Wine Co. emerged with the change in tenure of the Napa Valley red blend and the typical California Zinfandel. With over a decade of winemaking experience at Ravenswood crafting Zinfandel, winemaker, Jen Beloz started The Prisoner Wine Company along with a family of growers and a winemaking team to grow and produce a selection of premium blends, including Cuttings, Blindfold, and Thorn. The Prisoner was created and inspired by the drinkable “mixed black grapes” first made by the Italian immigrants who originally settled in the Napa Valley. In 2003 The Prisoner was launched and soon became the most recognized innovative and unique Napa Valley Red Wine blend, leading the resurgence of blends by incorporating Zinfandel (44%) with the unlikely “mix” of Cabernet Sauvignon (20%), Syrah (16%), Petite Sirah (18%), and Charbono (2%).
I recently had this at a wine tasting, was impressed, so I bought a few bottles for my cellar. Opening a bottle, I noticed a deep vivid rich ruby red color with red fruit aromas and hints of woody spice. The wine was aged 30% on new oak, a combination of French and American barrels. The palate brings fruit flavors of sweet cherries, juicy blueberries and ripe raspberries, some zesty spice with unexpected acidity on the lively side, which brings good balance. The finish had some cacao notes with oaky flavor that lingered nicely. This wine would go well pasta and also stand up to a thick steak on the grill. Fire it up, I am coming over!
Cheers!