The Prisoner Red Blend

A superb, velvety smooth and luscious red blend by the The Prisoner Wine Company. On the nose, dried blackberry, dried acai berries, and hints of cedar and tobacco leaf are accented by sweet spices of clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Flavours of ripe dark cherry, blackberry coulis, and hints of anise linger harmoniously for a soft, vibrant finish balanced by ripe tannins.

• Winery: The Prisoner Wine Company
• Varietal: Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Merlot, Malbec
• Region: California, USA
• Vintage: 2021
• Alcohol: 15.5%
• Volume: 750ml
• Closure: Cork
• Food pairing: Grilled meats & hamburgers; spaghetti Bolognese; pizza; mushrooms & onions; Parmesan

The Prisoner was inspired by the blended wines first made by the Italian immigrants who originally settled in Napa Valley. The Prisoner is now North America's most recognised red blend, leading the resurgence of interesting blends by incorporating Zinfandel with the unlikely mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Merlot.

THE PRISONER

The Prisoner was born out of a disregard for convention and a deep confidence in creative possibility. By introducing the now-iconic Red Blend that defied expectations in both wine style and branding, The Prisoner forever changed the landscape of winemaking in Napa and the world of luxury wines.

Both then and now, the brand draws inspiration from the world of fine art. The strikingly dark label on its flagship wine features an etching by Francisco Goya, with a title that translates to “the custody is as barbaric as the crime.” This is more than just an evocative image—it is a symbol of the brand’s essence. Taken from his Disasters of War series, it stands as a bold artistic protest against social injustice—an approach and sentiment that The Prisoner continues to champion today.

Director of Winemaking, Chrissy Wittmann, collaborates with over 120 small growers across California to source the finest grapes for these distinctive and complex blends. This allows Chrissy to select the best fruit each year, ensuring consistently exceptional and delicious wines. 

THE LABEL

The name The Prisoner and its flagship label were inspired by an etching titled Le Petit Prisonnier by the 19th-century Spanish artist Francisco Goya. Its subtitle, which translates to “the custody is as barbaric as the crime,” reflects the stark injustices he sought to expose. The sketch is part of Goya’s The Disasters of War series, a haunting visual protest against the brutality of the Spanish War of Independence in 1808.

Since its inception, The Prisoner Wine Company has stood against oppression while embracing creativity. Fighting injustice, particularly within the U.S. prison and policing systems, is deeply embedded in the brand’s identity and remains a core focus of its mission. At The Prisoner, they recognise that the issues within the prison system are deeply rooted, complex, and difficult to untangle. Yet, they firmly believe that change is possible and that it begins with conversation, collaboration, and creativity.

• 93/100 Points - Wilfred Wong (2019 vintage)
• 92/100 Points - Wine Enthusiast (2017 vintage)
• 93/100 Points - Wilfred Wong (2017 vintage)
• 93/100 Points - Natalie Maclean (2016 vintage)
• 91/100 Points - Natalie Maclean (2014 vintage)