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Aged in both new and seasoned French and American oak, the Prisoner has become a cult favorite across the country for its big, juicy, sexy fruit flavors. Made by Orin Swift Cellars, which is the realized dream of a young California winemaker named Dave Phinney, The Prisoner is a concentrated blend of mostly Zin, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Charbono and Grenache. After his first gig working the harvest at Robert Mondavi, Phinney went on to make wine at Whitehall Lane and Opus One. Today, Dave Phinney is one of California’s rising stars, written about often in the Wine Spectator, and loved by consumers seeking rich, hedonistic wines. The 2008 harvest was aided by viticultural consultant Larry Bradley, whose illustrious career has included stints at Flowers, Clos du Val and Cain Cellars, as well as exciting duties in Tasmania for Clover Hill and Adelaide Bay Vineyards.
Wine Spectator
Focused, rich and ripe, showing aromas of black cherry and smoky pepper, with sleek but complex flavors of boysenberry, licorice and toasty oak that linger with balanced tannins. Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Charbono and Grenache. Drink now through 2015.
Score: 92.
—Tim Fish,
June
15,
2010.
Wine Advocate
I love what he’s done with his 2008 The Prisoner, a blend of 46% Zinfandel, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the balance Syrah, Petite Sirah, Charbono, and Grenache. With over 15% alcohol, this is a big, sexy, fruit bomb boasting abundant amounts of black, blue, and red fruits along with pepper, spice box, earth, and herbs. It tastes like the unmanipulated essence of the fruit of a Mediterranean vineyard. Soft tannins, medium to full body, and a heady mouthfeel make this a seductive wine to enjoy over the next 2-3 years.
Score: 90.
—Robert Parker,
December
2009.
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