COLOUR
Red
TYPE
Still
VINTAGE
2021
GRAPE
Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Charbono
PRODUCER
The Prisoner Wine Company
REGION
California
CHARACTERISTICS
Body
Full
Sweetness
Off-dry
Acidity
Medium - Low
Finish
Medium - Long
Intensity
Pronounced
Tannins
AROMAS & FLAVOURS
ABOUT THIS WINE
The Prisoner Red Blend is a cultural icon in the American wine landscape. Originally created in 2000 by winemaker Dave Phinney under Orin Swift Cellars, the brand was inspired by the traditional 'mixed blacks' field blends crafted by Italian immigrants who first settled in Napa Valley. The wine is instantly recognizable by its provocative label featuring 'Le Petit Prisonnier', an 1807 etching by Spanish master Francisco de Goya. Today, under the ownership of Constellation Brands, the winery actively champions social change and justice reform, collaborating with justice-impacted artists and donating a portion of its proceeds to the Center for Art & Advocacy.
ALCOHOL
15.2%
AVG. PRICE
€53
STYLE
Classic
VEGAN
NO
SULPHITES
YES
When to drink
Now or Later
Ideal temperature
15-18°C
INTERESTING FACTS
Fact 01
Features an 1807 etching by Francisco de Goya as a visual protest against the injustice of the Spanish War of Independence.
Fact 02
Inspired by the historic 'mixed blacks' field blends originally planted by Italian immigrant farmers in Napa Valley.
Fact 03
The winery donates a portion of the Red Blend's proceeds to support justice-impacted creative communities.
FOOD PAIRING
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WINE MAKING PROCESS
The winemaking process for this bold blend relies on sourcing high-quality fruit from a collaborative network of over 100 independent growers across Northern California's premier AVAs. Each vineyard block and grape variety is harvested at peak physiological ripeness and fermented entirely separately to preserve its unique characteristics. Gentle extraction techniques are utilized during fermentation to keep the tannin structure supple and approachable. The wine is then aged for 12 to 15 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels, of which approximately 30% to 35% is new oak, imparting rich structural integration.
