Previously owned by Orin Swift, The Prisoner brand was sold to Constellation Brands in 2016. Constellation later built out The Prisoner Wine Company as the dedicated home for the brand.
The Prisoner Wine Company is a Napa Valley–based producer known for bold, rule‑breaking blends and provocative label design. Launched with the release of The Prisoner two decades ago, the brand helped redefine California red blends and quickly achieved “cult” status. Today, Director of Winemaking Chrissy Wittmann works with more than 100 Northern California growers to craft a portfolio of unconventional, boundary‑pushing wines unrestricted by tradition.
The 2023 Prisoner Red Blend is another stunning example of creativity and craftsmanship in winemaking. The combination of Zinfandel with Petite Sirah, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec is an intriguing mix that promises complexity and depth. In the glass, this full-bodied, opulent red reveals classic cranberry, blackberry, dried plum, caramelized vanilla, nutmeg and toasted coconut notes on the nose. The palate has a soft mouthfeel and a smooth and luscious finish, perfectly balanced with red and black fruit and an integrated sweet spice.
91 The Tasting Panel Packed with very ripe flavors, 15.5% stated alcohol, and plenty of coconut-scented oak riding atop its mostly black-toned fruit. Notable sweetness helps balance out the 35% new oak and buffers the wine’s tannin load, resulting in a very big wine with forgivingly soft texture. - July/August 2025
