The Prisoner Red Blend 2021
Full-bodied red wine · The Prisoner Wine Company
Vintage: 2021
Type
Full-bodied red wine
Producer
The Prisoner Wine Company
Country
United States
Vintage
2021
Region & Appellation
Napa Valley, California, USA
Grape Varieties
Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Charbono
Color & Appearance
Deep, opaque ruby-purple with a bright crimson rim and slow-moving, viscous legs
Aroma Profile
Intense aromas of ripe dark cherries, blackberry, dark chocolate, vanilla, and roasted espresso bean
Tasting Notes
A rich and mouth-coating palate bursting with bold fruit, supported by plush tannins and a long, warming finish with lingering notes of spice and vanilla
Flavor Profile
Ripe black plum, wild blackberry, baked raspberry, clove, nutmeg, and subtle hints of charred oak
Body & Texture
Full-bodied with a plush, velvety mouthfeel, rich extract, and a concentrated, opulent texture
Acidity & Tannins
Medium acidity that provides enough freshness to balance the ripe fruit, paired with soft, velvety, and well-integrated tannins
Sweetness Level
Dry, though perceived as slightly fruit-forward with a touch of residual sweetness from ripe fruit concentration
Alcohol Content
15.2% ABV
Aging & Oak
Aged in a mix of French and American oak barrels, combining new and seasoned oak to impart vanilla, spice, and toasted notes
Food Pairings
Ideal with grilled ribeye steak, slow-roasted barbecue ribs, hearty lamb stews, and aged cheddar cheese
Serving Suggestions
Serve slightly below room temperature at 60-65F in a large Bordeaux glass, and let breathe for 30 minutes before drinking
Price Range
$45 - $55 USD
Quality Assessment
Consistently rated around 90-92 points by major wine publications, positioned securely as a premium cult-favorite red blend
Production Methods
Traditional red winemaking involving separate fermentations for each varietal, followed by careful blending to achieve the signature style
Terroir
Diverse vineyard sites across Napa Valley featuring well-drained alluvial soils and a warm Mediterranean climate with cooling evening fog
History & Heritage
Created originally by winemaker David Phinney in 2000, inspired by the complex red blends first made by early Italian immigrants in California
Interesting Facts
The iconic label artwork is a sketch created by Spanish artist Francisco Goya from his famous 'The Disasters of War' series
Cellaring Potential
Best consumed within 3 to 6 years of the vintage date while the fruit is vibrant and plush
Similar Wines
Orin Swift The Prisoner alternatives, Apothic Red, Michael David 7 Deadly Zins, and Ridge Three Valleys