The Prisoner
The Prisoner operates in Rutherford, the heart of Napa Valley's Cabernet country. The winery's portfolio centers on bold, structured wines that depart from regional convention. Unshackled Red Blend—a composition of Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Malbec, Shiraz, and Grenache—anchors the red program with dark fruit density and tannin weight. Cuttings Cabernet Sauvignon, the region's traditional benchmark, offers the varietal's signature structure and aging potential. On the white side, Blindfold White Blend marries Viognier, Chardonnay, Roussanne, and Muscat Blanc into an aromatic, textured expression. Wine Advocate and Wine Enthusiast have rated across the portfolio, with Unshackled and Blindfold both scoring in the low 90s. The winery's approach emphasizes unconventional blending—mixing Rhône varieties with Bordeaux and California staples—rather than the single-varietal focus common to Rutherford's peers.
Critics
Wine Enthusiast, Wine Advocate