Robert Parker once wrote of Prisoner Wine Co.: "This winery, dedicated to négociant, relatively large-production cuvées of blended wines, was founded by the brilliant Dave Phinney and sold in 2009. Today the wines are made by the very talented Jen Beloz. These wines are distinctive, creative blends of exceptionally high quality, especially given the production totals that they achieve." Prisoner Wine Co. is now owned by Constellation Brands. Indicative blend: Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Charbono.
Winemaker Notes
Critical Acclaim
COMMENTARY: Could The Prisoner Red Blend be in the proverbial "sweet" spot? Since its arrival into the marketplace in 2000, this wine became an instant star, albeit controversial in some quarters of the wine world because of perceived sweetness. Many of my closest wine pals also decried that the wine was too extracted. While the wine flirts a bit beyond the standard threshold residual sugar level, this wine is pretty tasty and dry in a New World way. The 2019 vintage is the wine's best effort to date, and it signals its long journey to become a wine that everyone can wrap their palate around. TASTING NOTES: This wine brings the force of bold, black fruit, savory spices, and oak onto the palate. Pair it with grilled baby back ribs. (Tasted: October 14, 2020, San Francisco, CA)