How Prisoner Wine Became a Cult Favorite

What Makes The Prisoner's Blend Different?

The heart of The Prisoner is Zinfandel, which makes up about 40% of the blend. Cabernet Sauvignon adds structure and dark fruit flavors, while Petite Sirah and Syrah bring color and depth. Then there's Charbono - a rare grape with only 100 acres left in California. It adds a unique spicy note you won't find in other red blends.

The grapes come from more than 80 different vineyards across California. Phinney built relationships with small growers in Rutherford, St. Helena, and Atlas Peak. Each vineyard adds its own character to the wine - some bring ripe fruit flavors from warm valleys, others add freshness from cooler hillsides.

The Making of The Prisoner Red Blend

From Grape to Bottle

The winemaking starts with hand-picked grapes which each variety fermented on its own in steel tanks. The temperature stays between 75-85°F - warm enough to get deep color and flavor, but not so hot that the tannins become harsh. After fermentation, the wine spends 15 months in oak barrels, both French and American. About a third of these barrels are new, which adds subtle hints of vanilla and toast.

The blending takes time. The winemakers taste hundreds of barrel samples, looking for the right combination. While each vintage tastes a bit different based on the growing season, they aim to keep The Prisoner's signature style consistent. They filter the wine minimally to keep its rich texture intact.

What's in the Glass

The Prisoner comes in at 15.2% alcohol, but you might not notice it right away. The natural acidity and smooth tannins keep everything balanced. Take a sip, and you'll first taste dark cherry and black raspberry. Then come layers of vanilla from the oak, along with coffee and dark chocolate notes. At the end, you might catch some ripe fig and baking spices.

The wine has grown from its small beginnings - they now make about 165,000 cases each year. It ages in those oak barrels for 15 months, and the mix of French and American wood adds complexity. Pour it at around 60-65°F, and let it breathe for half an hour before drinking. The bottles can age nicely for 8-10 years, but most people enjoy them within the first few years.

The Complete Prisoner Wine Collection

Saldo Zinfandel

Saldo strays from typical California Zinfandels by blending grapes from Dry Creek, Lodi, and the Sierra Foothills. At 15.5% alcohol, it's a full-bodied wine with a softer edge than most high-alcohol Zinfandels. The wine ages for 18 months in 25% new American oak, giving it subtle hints of vanilla and coconut without overwhelming the fruit.

In the glass, you'll find blackberry and black cherry flavors, followed by notes of dark chocolate and black pepper. The tannins are smooth but present, making the wine feel substantial without being aggressive. A touch of Petite Sirah and Syrah in the blend adds depth and a darker color.

Saldo works beautifully with barbecue - the wine's fruit matches the sweetness of the sauce while its spice complements the smoke. It's also great with aged cheddar or grilled lamb. For vegetarians, try it with grilled portobello mushrooms or eggplant parmesan.

Dérangé Red Blend

Dérangé represents the luxury tier of The Prisoner Wine Company. The blend changes yearly but typically includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Petite Sirah from Napa Valley's top vineyards. At 15.8% alcohol, it's the boldest wine in their lineup.

The winemaking team ages Dérangé for 24 months in French oak, with 75% new barrels. This extended aging creates a wine with remarkable complexity - black currant and blueberry flavors mingle with espresso, dark chocolate, and graphite notes. The texture is dense but not heavy, with refined tannins that suggest 15-20 years of aging potential.

This wine shines with prime rib or dry-aged steaks. The tannins help cut through the meat's richness while complementing its savory flavors. Blue cheese is another great match, as are roasted root vegetables with herbs.

Unshackled Red Blend

Unshackled offers a fresher take on The Prisoner's style. The blend focuses on Zinfandel, Malbec, and Petite Sirah, creating a wine that's both approachable and complex. At 14.5% alcohol, it's slightly lighter than its siblings but still packs plenty of flavor.

The wine spends 12 months in a mix of French and American oak, only 20% new. This lighter oak treatment lets the fruit shine - think ripe raspberry and plum, with subtle notes of cinnamon and clove. The tannins are soft and the acidity bright, making Unshackled easy to drink young.

This versatile wine pairs well with everything from pizza to pan-seared duck breast. Its bright fruit and moderate tannins make it a good match for tomato-based pasta dishes or even spicy foods.

How Temperature Affects The Prisoner Wines

The right temperature brings out the best in these wines. Store them around 55°F - any warmer and they'll age too quickly, losing their fruit flavors. The high alcohol content makes them particularly sensitive to heat, so avoid keeping them in warm spots like above the refrigerator or near sunny windows.

For drinking, each wine has its sweet spot. The Prisoner and Dérangé show best at 65°F - cool enough to keep the alcohol in check but warm enough to release their complex aromas. Saldo and Unshackled can be served slightly cooler, around 60-62°F, which highlights their fresh fruit character.

If you're storing an open bottle, use a vacuum sealer if possible. These full-bodied wines can stay fresh for 3-4 days in a properly sealed bottle kept in the refrigerator. Just remember to let them warm up for about 30 minutes before serving.

When decanting, give The Prisoner and Dérangé at least an hour to open up. Their dense structure needs time to relax. Saldo and Unshackled are more accessible - 15-30 minutes in a decanter is plenty. You'll notice the aromas become more expressive and the tannins soften as the wines breathe.

Food and The Prisoner Wine Experience

The Prisoner wines adapt well to different cuisines, but knowing a few basics helps create memorable pairings. The main red blend takes on a velvety texture with protein-rich foods. A medium-rare ribeye brings out the wine's dark fruit notes, while the fat softens its tannins. Wild mushroom risotto works surprisingly well too - the earthy flavors match the wine's subtle spice notes.

For cheese boards, stick to aged varieties. Young, creamy cheeses can get lost against these bold wines. Aged Gouda and five-year cheddar have enough character to hold their own, and their crystallized texture complements the wine's structure. A piece of dark chocolate with sea salt makes an effortless dessert pairing - the chocolate matches the wine's richness while the salt brightens the fruit flavors.

Creating Multi-Course Wine Dinners

Start lighter with Unshackled alongside appetizers like crispy pork belly or grilled figs wrapped in prosciutto. Move to The Prisoner with your main course - it has enough body to carry through substantial dishes like braised short ribs or wild boar ragu. Save Dérangé for special occasions when you're serving dry-aged beef or venison with roasted root vegetables.

Winter meals call for heartier pairings. The Prisoner's warmth matches perfectly with slow-cooked stews and roasted meats. In summer, try Saldo with grilled foods - its spicy notes complement everything from barbecued ribs to grilled vegetables.

How to Choose the Right Glassware for the Prisoner Wine

These full-bodied wines need room to breathe. Large Bordeaux-style glasses with wide bowls let the aromas develop and direct them to your nose. The glass should be about one-third full, leaving plenty of space for the aromas to collect.

Rinse your glasses with hot water and let them air dry - soap can leave residue that affects the wine's taste. Hold the glass by the stem to keep the wine at the right temperature - fingerprints on the bowl not only look messy but can warm the wine too quickly.

Pick Up a Bottle of Prisoner Wine Today

At Jackson Hole Marketplace, we keep our entire collection of The Prisoner Wine Company products at optimal storage conditions. Our temperature-controlled wine room stays at a constant 55°F, ensuring every bottle reaches you in perfect condition.

Visit us at 4125 U.S. 89 in Jackson, Wyoming to explore our selection. Our wine specialists are happy to help you choose the right bottle for your occasion - just give us a call at (307) 200-6453 or email us at info@jhmarketplace.com. We're passionate about helping our customers discover these remarkable wines, whether you're a longtime collector or just beginning your wine journey.