2019 The Prisoner

Napa Valley, California

The new 2019 vintage has arrived and it’s very limited, as always!

The Prisoner Napa Valley Red is a must-try red wine gem for anyone who loves Zinfandel! The label was recently sold by gifted winemaker Dave Phinney of Orin Swift Cellars to its new owner, The Prisoner Wine Company. Considering that Wine Spectator has selected The Prisoner to join the ranks of the magazine's Top 100 Wines of the Year not just in one recent year (#47 in 2009 for the 2007 vintage) but 3 times in the past 6 years, it is nearly inconceivable that Dave Phinney began his winemaking career with 2 tons of purchased Zinfandel grapes just a year out of college in 1998! Now he has passed the baton to winemaker Jen Beloz, former winemaker at Ravenswood, to carry on the legacy of The Prisoner.

The Prisoner is a rich blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah, and Charbono. The wine has a deep ruby red hue that is framed in rich crimson. Aromas of black cherry and plum, surrounded by roasted coffee beans and vanillin oak accents. The entry is powerful and lush with flavors of bing cherry, blueberry and cocoa. Soft and velvety tannins round out the finish making this wine approachable and inviting. It was aged in both new and seasoned French and American oak, 30% new. The wine is soft and round with weight, length and structure and good acidity to soften its big fruit. On the finish it is long and lingering with soft, velvety tannins.

Enjoy The Prisoner with roast pork, grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, grilled vegetables and cheeses.