Held on to this wine, 2014 vintage for quite a while and it seemed to hold it's own nicely. Flavors were very smooth with dark cherry, caramel and slight earth tones. Mixed very well with smoked cheese and a grilled steak dinner. Very enjoyable
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Very enjoyable wine. My first sip, I drew air across the wine and my tongue ... resulted in a flavor explosion. Very intense jammy berry flavors. Loved it!
The nose has raspberry, blackberry, and a hint of cherry.
Very deep burgundy/ruby color. Slow legs.
I'm not so sure about the "2021" drinking window -- it is still a fabulous wine. I'll put this at 2023+. I have a few more bottles so I'll be able to report back later this year.
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For all the hype, I had higher expectations of this wine. Ruby color. Full bodied. Raspberries, cherries and oak. Not particularly balanced with a bit of an angular finish. Let this decant for about an hour and opens up.
This vintage is still in great shape and will last at least another 2-3 years. It was even better the 2nd night. As such, I am extending my drinking window to 2023. Was fantastic with a venison steak.
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I was hoping that putting a few years on the bottle would improve the the body/flavor/taste/nose...something....but it didn't. Very disappointing. Also, tasted this side by side with a 2017 Prisoner, and there was very little difference.
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Reviews here are mixed, but it is a decent Zin. A brief decant will help and soften. Notes of spice and black fruit. A little disjointed? Perhaps, but very drinkable with any hearty dish, BBQ, pizza, pulled pork. You get the idea.
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Fruitbomb, but a well-made fruitbomb. Whether you enjoy this will depend on whether you like this very obviously Californian winemaking approach. It is not really my preference but I can appreciate it for what it is. Paired well with pepperoni pizza.
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Decanted for an hour. Easter dinner lamb chops paired incredibly. Enjoyed second half of bottle just watching TV. Velvet smooth and rich to the last drop
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Always a favorite with the missus, and I liked more than I remember. Probably gave it 90 minutes of air. Opaque. Very pleasant and lush black and dark purple fruit, complex, probably in the middle of smooth v high octane, very long finish.
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nice, friendly zin. went well with pasta with tomato and pecorino at lunch and then cotechino with lentils at dinner. Big and jammy and quite fun to drink though the price seems hard to justify
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This is a big, in-your-face wine. Definately Californian style. Heavy, velvety mouthfeel. Bursting with fruit but a touch on the sweet side. I paired it with smoked pork tenderloin in a smoked blackberry bourbon sauce. This wine handled the smoky and spicy flavors well.
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I was prepared to dislike this wine because of previous notes that emphasized the oakiness and extraction--however, I found it to be a wine of interesting layers of flavor, including some tarry notes, spicy dark fruit and sweet pipe tobacco notes. Went great with chimichurri marinated steaks.
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Nice zin blend. Dark fruit on the nose and palate. Yes, lots of fruit, but not a fruit bomb in our opinion. Nice balance of fruit, tannins and acidity. Very enjoyable.
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Big, bodacious, Smokey, oakey wine with tons of red fruit and sting accents of liquorice with mace and fennel. This is a the classic prisoner profile that has super ripe fruit and a ton of wood. Enjoyable!
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PNP. This is very quaffable, but way too candied these days. I get new Barbie doll (that new plastic smell when you open the package) and sweet red and black fruit on the nose. There is lively acidity on the palate and firm tannins on the medium long finish. I'd say the wine improves as you move through nose, palate and finish.
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Amazing wine. It's very fruit forward - I'd guess some type of Zin blend? Smooth backend. Just awesome. Get it. Drink it. Enjoy it. I'll be buying this again.
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I will admit we consumed this wine early, based on the vintage, but this wine did not really do anything even after a decant and breathing period. The overall wine tasted like a bowl of fruit loops and milk.
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Great Zin blend. this is a great stand alone wine. great melding of flavors from this varietal. fruity with slight sweetness with some tannins to offset it. I also have the 2015 and it is too early to drink. this is ready to drink now through 2020 or so.
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The 2014 Prisoner has a deep ruby black color; a blast of berries in the aromas, yet the fruit is clean and fresh, bright, big and lasting; full bodied, thick rich and very slight port-like note shows up; heavy, with lots of sweet tannins; big dense in the aftertaste.
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This was the second bottle and while still good, it was a bit less than the first. This was PNP, where first bottle was opened 90 minutes before drinking.
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Was given as a gift. Used to love the value of this one, but after Phinney sold off its gathered a lot of fatty flavor profile and less of the dynamic flavors of Zin and mixed black varietal blends that made it so different from the rest of the market. Now there's 100's of want-at-be's. The original still offers a nice glass of wine, but far from the value it once held.
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Quick 30 minute decant. Nice purplish hue with translucent rim. Big nose of sweet vanilla, oak, lavender and plum. Very fruit forward and sweet (almost like honey). Full bodied. There is some acidity to keep it from being too jammy but damn little in the way of tannins. I can see why this would be a controversial wine with wildly variable ratings. I can also see where it would be a very popular party wine. For me, its a nice flavorful wine. Nothing to get too serious about but certainly not bad. Decent QPR. 90+
2nd day notes: finishes with a little bit of all spice and Ludens' cherry cough drop taste. Somewhat sweeter (yes, sweeter) than first day. No change in overall rating.
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The Prisoner. The namesake would lead you to believe it's harsh, lonely, and cold. Not so. Surely, this Prisoner is subject to the whips and chains of 50 shades. Silky- yards of silk. Makes you question China's claim as number one exporter. Big- 15+ percent. Yet drinks like a lone jug of ice water in Death Valley. Fruit & Structure- Think weekend farmers market, weds Frank Lloyd Wright.
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Jammy, heavily extracted flavors. Some spices and heat on the back end. Nice, deep, red fruits and plum up front. Sweet, but not overly sweet. Needs at least an hour to breathe for peak enjoyment. Very good.
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Let me be clear: I get no joy out of saying this...but this wine is TERRIBLE. Way too big, over extracted, sweet, no varietal distinction. Just disappointing all around. Received as a gift and will be sure to never purchase on my own.
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Bing cherry jam and cinnamon spice. Good structure and everything nice. If you’re looking for an extracted red fruit blend, this wine won’t let you down.
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Takes a bit of air for alcohol to subside. Nice firm tannins that are surprisingly soft for the age. Complete absence of acid brings it slightly off balance, but not bad if you enjoy Napa jammy flavors. Enjoyed it on its own and with a t-bone. Fruit bursts when paired with steak.
This was our starter wine before dinner. This is fresh with lots of bursting flavors but in a silky smooth mouth feel. Very nice wine for the money and good for another year or so
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Total garbage. Get the appeal but its not good at all. So many other wines cheaper and better, and that's not coming from a wine snob. I love a lot of under $15 wine.
It the lush fruit that does not overwhelm that get to you and makes this so enjoyable - but you must be in a mood as this is not an austere balanced sophisticate - its a crowd pleaser and sometimes that's exactly what you need and want
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Dark purple colour with a pink rim...an ominous start - it looks manipulated. Nose confirms with confected aromas of plastic wrapped chocolate and grape lollipop. Big and weighty palate; suggests some residual sugar, but without appropriate balancing acid. A tannic finish, but it seems forced into the wine. One sip was one too many. 1/5
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Plum and other dark fruits, grilled flavor and peppery notes on the first day. Pepper less so on the second day and even more fruit forward. Okay, but not my cup of juice.
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Acyso kind of nailed if. Although a 50 score maybe unrealistic in the Point system. Scorching rubbing alcohol hiding behind a too sweet fruit buttery blanket. Eww
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still going strong - A consensus rating amongst various palletes and individual tastes - served late into the night with cooked bacon slab, cold cuts and sweet and sour pickles and esoteric conversation......
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The renowned French gourmand Anthelme Brillat-Savarin wrote: "Dis-moi ce que tu manges, je te dirai ce que tu es." It follows that there is a part of me now that is the 2014 Prisoner Wine Company The Prisoner. A prisoner of what, you ask? The existential angst and dread that follows from having consumed such a heinous concoction. May the Lord have mercy on my soul.
Absolutely gorgeous medium purple-violet. Strong alcohol and acidic red berries on the nose. Very pure red fruit medley with vanillin and sweetened rose petals. Delicious.
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Saturated purple to black in color. Aromas of black cherry, plum, mocha, and vanilla. Plump and jammy on the palate with almost syrupy mouthfeel. Dark fruit predominates with cinnamon and pepper on the finish. Blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Charbono.
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Complex mish-mash of flavors. Earthy licorice nose. Ripe red fruit up front, raspberries, cherry, plum. Licorice, pepper, and spice follow. Wonderful layered. The finish seems to drop off, at least the fruit, but then it comes back and stays with you. Seems like one of the better vintages of this wine.
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Caught it on sale. Always a good wine to top off a hard day. It's flooding all around us here in Baton Rouge. It's a great way to cut the tension. A great Zin blend.
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Rich yet slightly dry straight from the bottle. I've had a previous vintage once before but I've long forgotten my feelings about it so this is my first review of this wine. Very rich nose of chocolate, pepper and licorice, and dark and red fruits. This wine to me is the opposite of boring. Sexy fat and velvety mouthfeel that I'm sure will be a crowd pleaser for many. It's less dry than cabs of this price and perhaps more dry than Merlots of this price. Lovely oak, dark cherry, pepper, chocolate and licorice on the palate as well. Tons of fruit initially on the palate. Finish is what I'd expect at this price, a tad on the short side compared to a higher priced cab like chateau montelena, but finish is delicious. If I could afford it, I would keep this regularly stocked in my house. This to me is the poor mans caymus if it were a zin. For $38 I think it's a bargain, much more exciting and sexy and delicious than the also like able seghesio zin. My wife hates dry wine and even she gives this a 7/10. She basically only loves port and the 2007 stags leap petite syrah, which had very smooth tannin six months ago.
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too much of a good thing - this has become a staple of our wine experience...and we always look forward to opening up a bottle...15.2% on the alc - but the heat is subtle. hidden, and what a mouthful of flavor!!!
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When we first tasted this we were quickly overwhelmed by this superbly structured blend that delivered extraordinary fruit, perfect tannins and a wonderful finish that lingers and makes you reflect on what you just sipped. A wine loved by all who taste - goes very well with marinated flank steak, or any red meat for that matter.
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Dark purple color turning violet at the rim with a transparent edge. The nose is on high octane (15.2% alcohol) with red candied berries, vanilla, and chocolate. The palate is bold, round, polished with a velvety texture. Flavors of macerated red cherry, raspberry, red licorice, cola, vanilla extract, and dark chocolate shavings. This is very fruit forward, low acidity, and delivers a killer punch. Finishes long, lifted and jammy with refined tannin. Drink now until 2024.
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Pretty big and bold. After an hour the burn calmed down and really started to bring out the bright red dry fruit 90+ with a few more years I could see this easily climbing a few more points.
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Hate to admit it but I really liked this wine. Low acidity, big flavor and full. Not big and dry enough to hold up to steal but a really good pre-dinner wine.
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Good but not great. Red blue fruit but nothing special, mostly hidden by vanilla notes without accompanying oak notes. Seemed manufactured....hmmmm....next generation's Caymus?
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60m decant. Had this immediately after a 2010 Orin Swift Prisoner. Lighter and fruitier than the 2010. Decent tannins, will develop over the next few years. It lacks the oomph and raw power that the Orin Swift vintages had in the past, but would be delightful if not for the memories of those bottles.
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Few Blind CA Reds: Vibrant purple color. Smells rich and juicy, with raspberry and blackberry jams, candied cherries, along with vanilla, spiced coffee and dark chocolate shavings. On the palate, this is a full-bodied and jammy wine with chewy tannins and low acidity. Bold, saucy fruit (blackberry and raspberry jams and sweet black cherries). Sure there’s plenty of toast, vanilla and coconut but time coaxes out nuances of loam and spiced coffee and dark chocolate. Stylistically, this is uber rich and forward, but it is undeniably delicious. Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Charbona, aged in 30% new French and American oak.
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Very good wine, drank straight from bottle. Red color with violet tint. Nice nose, fruit forward with a balanced earthy finish. A grippy wine that sets nicely on the tongue. Only gripe is a slight funky aftertaste, but right now I associate that with being such a young wine drank straight from the bottle.
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High octane and vivid, this is great for a bar b q. A medium finish, with velvety tannins. Blackberry, coffee grounds, white flowers, furniture polish and spice. Decant to help it mellow. Drink now - 2020.
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Highly recommend this wine. It's was terrifically balanced and provided plenty of oomph at this price point. In fact, I'd say it drank like a wine priced two times as high. The wine is not tannic and ready to drink now. It's got a nice fullness and depth. It is not complex, but satisfying. No disputing this for me - it is a terrific wine and something I'd gladly serve anyone for general occasions.
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lighter than I expected. Maybe still too young, hopefully it will continue to develop with time. This was lighter and brighter than prior vintages. Still spicy and smooth as ever, but not the monster wine it used to be.
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The Prisoner is not what it used to be. Still good but no longer the experience it used to be. Very dry and dusty but with a slight amount of fruit on the finish.
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Not a shy wine, but exhibiting some rainwater aroma to the nose. Generally big swee fruit, brown sugar, vanilla, caramel, marshmallow. A-SMORES-of-a-wine.
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Young wine decanted and improved over 2 hours. Easy Drinking The wine looks inky colored. The legs are slow. There is no sediment in the bottle. It smells like black currant (cassis) and plum. The body is full. The wine has smooth texture. The wine finishes long. The wine has low acidity.
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4/4/2023 - Redfisher Likes this wine: 91 Points
Held on to this wine, 2014 vintage for quite a while and it seemed to hold it's own nicely. Flavors were very smooth with dark cherry, caramel and slight earth tones. Mixed very well with smoked cheese and a grilled steak dinner. Very enjoyable
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12/26/2022 - DAW1961 wrote:
Too sweet, no bidy, just not California cab loke
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11/26/2022 - AliMo wrote:
Delicious!!
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7/18/2022 - wbduval Likes this wine: 90 Points
Still drinking well. Benefited from a couple of days of being open - helps to moderate the acidity level, which was high.
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1/14/2022 - Rno Likes this wine: 90 Points
One the best vintages
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1/2/2022 - JDB's Cellar Likes this wine: 90 Points
Very enjoyable wine. My first sip, I drew air across the wine and my tongue ... resulted in a flavor explosion. Very intense jammy berry flavors. Loved it!
The nose has raspberry, blackberry, and a hint of cherry.
Very deep burgundy/ruby color. Slow legs.
I'm not so sure about the "2021" drinking window -- it is still a fabulous wine. I'll put this at 2023+. I have a few more bottles so I'll be able to report back later this year.
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12/31/2021 - winewitch59 Likes this wine: 92 Points
Terrific, still very drinkable
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12/24/2021 - Robwild wrote: 89 Points
For all the hype, I had higher expectations of this wine. Ruby color. Full bodied. Raspberries, cherries and oak. Not particularly balanced with a bit of an angular finish. Let this decant for about an hour and opens up.
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12/2/2021 - Winowhyno Likes this wine: 91 Points
Another year in the cellar made a difference. Last bottle...sad
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5/28/2021 - bmigneron Likes this wine: 90 Points
very nice, smooth, with hints of black berries.
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5/11/2021 - danscellar wrote: 91 Points
Very nice blend, drinking very well.
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4/10/2021 - RachelF62 Likes this wine: 100 Points
Super smooth this aged well
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4/9/2021 - dbermanmd wrote: 92 Points
Don't hold this against me,
Important to manage expectations,
Really delicious for what it is
Hugs,
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2/13/2021 - SGates Likes this wine: 89 Points
Still not our favorite vintage of Prisoner. Jammy, heavily extracted flavors. Somewhat disjointed.
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12/13/2020 - tourproto wrote: 92 Points
This vintage is still in great shape and will last at least another 2-3 years. It was even better the 2nd night. As such, I am extending my drinking window to 2023. Was fantastic with a venison steak.
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9/27/2020 - Fjgrassojr wrote: 81 Points
I was hoping that putting a few years on the bottle would improve the the body/flavor/taste/nose...something....but it didn't. Very disappointing. Also, tasted this side by side with a 2017 Prisoner, and there was very little difference.
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8/24/2020 - Ralphie1 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very nice drinkable red - even when the Blazers are getting smoked!
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5/20/2020 - ClaytonDave Likes this wine: 90 Points
Reviews here are mixed, but it is a decent Zin. A brief decant will help and soften. Notes of spice and black fruit. A little disjointed? Perhaps, but very drinkable with any hearty dish, BBQ, pizza, pulled pork. You get the idea.
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1/25/2020 - streethawk wrote: 88 Points
Fruitbomb, but a well-made fruitbomb. Whether you enjoy this will depend on whether you like this very obviously Californian winemaking approach. It is not really my preference but I can appreciate it for what it is. Paired well with pepperoni pizza.
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11/28/2019 - Stephanecarnot Does not like this wine:
So bad
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8/10/2019 - schnurbie Likes this wine:
Very nice wine for a Saturday afternoon in the garage working on my table for the Big Green Egg.
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4/21/2019 - DanRenoWine Likes this wine: 91 Points
Decanted for an hour. Easter dinner lamb chops paired incredibly. Enjoyed second half of bottle just watching TV. Velvet smooth and rich to the last drop
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4/2/2019 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Gave it two hours of air. Probably better than I remember. Full bodied, smooth, dark red and blue fruit. Pleasant finish.
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3/16/2019 - smoss wrote: 90 Points
Very good after about 1 hour decant.
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1/31/2019 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 91 Points
Always a favorite with the missus, and I liked more than I remember. Probably gave it 90 minutes of air. Opaque. Very pleasant and lush black and dark purple fruit, complex, probably in the middle of smooth v high octane, very long finish.
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1/27/2019 - fedro wrote: 89 Points
nice, friendly zin. went well with pasta with tomato and pecorino at lunch and then cotechino with lentils at dinner.
Big and jammy and quite fun to drink though the price seems hard to justify
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12/16/2018 - rgawlowski Likes this wine: 90 Points
Very nice Zinfandel, nothing pretentious, smooth, straighforward, sunny.
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11/18/2018 - schnurbie Likes this wine:
Very lovely, enjoyable wine.
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11/3/2018 - lmerriner Likes this wine: 89 Points
This is a big, in-your-face wine. Definately Californian style. Heavy, velvety mouthfeel. Bursting with fruit but a touch on the sweet side. I paired it with smoked pork tenderloin in a smoked blackberry bourbon sauce. This wine handled the smoky and spicy flavors well.
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10/19/2018 - IlonaN wrote: 90 Points
I was prepared to dislike this wine because of previous notes that emphasized the oakiness and extraction--however, I found it to be a wine of interesting layers of flavor, including some tarry notes, spicy dark fruit and sweet pipe tobacco notes. Went great with chimichurri marinated steaks.
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7/16/2018 - Parnelli Likes this wine: 90 Points
Nice zin blend. Dark fruit on the nose and palate. Yes, lots of fruit, but not a fruit bomb in our opinion. Nice balance of fruit, tannins and acidity. Very enjoyable.
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6/29/2018 - maxima wrote: flawed
Bouchonnée!
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5/30/2018 - maxima wrote: 88 Points
Gros vin ample et fruité.
Le boisé est là mais pas trop. Tannins bien enrobés et finale
assez longue avec un peu de chauffe en ce moment.
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4/7/2018 - sipnwine Likes this wine:
Delish
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3/21/2018 - marcellevi Likes this wine: 91 Points
Nice violet color, very aromatic, strawberry, blueberry and raspberry nose. Luscious ripe fruit palate, jammy goodness. Super wine.
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3/1/2018 - Lake_Point_Wine Likes this wine: 96 Points
Great color density deep purple smooth no harsh tannins
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2/2/2018 - Renzloh Likes this wine: 92 Points
Opulent, black cherry, currants.
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1/14/2018 - AjitK wrote: 90 Points
Big, bodacious, Smokey, oakey wine with tons of red fruit and sting accents of liquorice with mace and fennel. This is a the classic prisoner profile that has super ripe fruit and a ton of wood. Enjoyable!
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11/5/2017 - Winowhyno Likes this wine: 90 Points
Consistently good Zin Blend.....full of flavor that gets better after 60 minutes of decant.....Release the Prisoner!!!!!
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11/1/2017 - Superoreo wrote: 84 Points
Yuck!
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9/27/2017 - AGELVIS wrote: 87 Points
PNP. This is very quaffable, but way too candied these days. I get new Barbie doll (that new plastic smell when you open the package) and sweet red and black fruit on the nose. There is lively acidity on the palate and firm tannins on the medium long finish. I'd say the wine improves as you move through nose, palate and finish.
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9/22/2017 - Nhusson wrote: flawed
Not stored properly...
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8/27/2017 - marcellevi Likes this wine: 91 Points
Great wine to go with Hurricane Harvey especially when you haven't flooded (yet?).
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8/27/2017 - Wineonavine wrote: 95 Points
Amazing wine. It's very fruit forward - I'd guess some type of Zin blend? Smooth backend. Just awesome. Get it. Drink it. Enjoy it. I'll be buying this again.
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8/19/2017 - HueBreCellars Does not like this wine: 80 Points
I will admit we consumed this wine early, based on the vintage, but this wine did not really do anything even after a decant and breathing period. The overall wine tasted like a bowl of fruit loops and milk.
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7/9/2017 - ogres3 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Didn't have a taste but the others seemed to like. My recollection is a fairly simple bold wine.
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6/26/2017 - Mark4w Likes this wine: 91 Points
Great Zin blend. this is a great stand alone wine. great melding of flavors from this varietal. fruity with slight sweetness with some tannins to offset it. I also have the 2015 and it is too early to drink. this is ready to drink now through 2020 or so.
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6/25/2017 - alabunka wrote: 91 Points
This wine continue to please - with its full body and rich fruit but not over the top in being jammy -
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6/23/2017 - rashcar Likes this wine: 91 Points
3 hours decanting and there were a good dark fruit and a good structure. So a decent nose and better taste.
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5/31/2017 - Walkingzombie Likes this wine: 87 Points
We drank it too early, could have laid it down for a couple more years to resolve the strong dryness of the tannins.
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5/27/2017 - thomasckao Likes this wine: 88 Points
Opened at family gathering when Noel was back from Chicago
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5/22/2017 - ogres3 Likes this wine:
The missus is a big fan. Full bodied, very new world. A little too much without the complexity for me, and a bit raw.
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4/22/2017 - Lulu2 wrote: 90 Points
Celebratory dinner w/ post Oz!
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4/16/2017 - kmacSF wrote: 89 Points
Cinnamon and hickory. Not oaky but sufficient body.
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4/15/2017 - BigBoy_Sonoma Likes this wine: 88 Points
Black fruit, jammy notes, spice and cedar, candied fruit, tobacco. B+
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4/3/2017 - pgb67 wrote: 88 Points
I'm not a believer but it has appeal for some ... way too sweet for me.
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3/31/2017 - H187fn wrote:
The Blend
Zinfandel
Cabernet Sauvignon
Petite Sirah
Syrah
Charbono
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3/31/2017 - H187fn wrote:
The 2014 Prisoner has a deep ruby black color; a blast of berries in the aromas, yet the fruit is clean and fresh, bright, big and lasting; full bodied, thick rich and very slight port-like note shows up; heavy, with lots of sweet tannins; big dense in the aftertaste.
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3/10/2017 - RedRedMoreRed Likes this wine: 84 Points
This was the second bottle and while still good, it was a bit less than the first. This was PNP, where first bottle was opened 90 minutes before drinking.
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3/5/2017 - mpricher wrote: 88 Points
Was given as a gift. Used to love the value of this one, but after Phinney sold off its gathered a lot of fatty flavor profile and less of the dynamic flavors of Zin and mixed black varietal blends that made it so different from the rest of the market. Now there's 100's of want-at-be's. The original still offers a nice glass of wine, but far from the value it once held.
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2/26/2017 - Redrunners Does not like this wine: 85 Points
Big, bold, disjointed high alcohol. Based on the winemakers style - this was what I was expecting and still disappointed.
Flavors of sweet cherry, raspberry, chocolate, spice. Disjointed and not well integrated
Drinkable, but not enjoyable.
Had been a gift from a friend, but otherwise wouldn't have tried this.
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2/20/2017 - RockyII Likes this wine: 90 Points
Quick 30 minute decant. Nice purplish hue with translucent rim. Big nose of sweet vanilla, oak, lavender and plum. Very fruit forward and sweet (almost like honey). Full bodied. There is some acidity to keep it from being too jammy but damn little in the way of tannins. I can see why this would be a controversial wine with wildly variable ratings. I can also see where it would be a very popular party wine. For me, its a nice flavorful wine. Nothing to get too serious about but certainly not bad. Decent QPR. 90+
2nd day notes: finishes with a little bit of all spice and Ludens' cherry cough drop taste. Somewhat sweeter (yes, sweeter) than first day. No change in overall rating.
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1/8/2017 - Jmonaco11 Likes this wine: 93 Points
The Prisoner. The namesake would lead you to believe it's harsh, lonely, and cold. Not so. Surely, this Prisoner is subject to the whips and chains of 50 shades.
Silky- yards of silk. Makes you question China's claim as number one exporter.
Big- 15+ percent. Yet drinks like a lone jug of ice water in Death Valley.
Fruit & Structure- Think weekend farmers market, weds Frank Lloyd Wright.
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1/7/2017 - tdroz wrote: 90 Points
Good balance, nice nose
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1/5/2017 - Gianni74 Does not like this wine:
This was undrinkable... barely qualifies as wine, not sure I can even use it for cooking. Immensely disappointing.
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1/3/2017 - ABP wrote:
Zinfandel, cab, Syrah, petit Syrah, Granache
Red, Rich, Intense
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12/25/2016 - JHeinie Likes this wine: 90 Points
Jammy, heavily extracted flavors. Some spices and heat on the back end. Nice, deep, red fruits and plum up front. Sweet, but not overly sweet. Needs at least an hour to breathe for peak enjoyment. Very good.
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12/24/2016 - CMN wrote: 70 Points
Purple fruit, vanilla and saccharine. Very smooth. It's wine. Barely.
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12/19/2016 - yonster24 wrote:
Let me be clear: I get no joy out of saying this...but this wine is TERRIBLE. Way too big, over extracted, sweet, no varietal distinction. Just disappointing all around. Received as a gift and will be sure to never purchase on my own.
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12/17/2016 - Bauman Likes this wine: 90 Points
good spicy taste with a dark burgundy color. great wine with any food but especially with spicy chocolate
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12/6/2016 - jollyroger.vin Likes this wine: 90 Points
Bing cherry jam and cinnamon spice. Good structure and everything nice. If you’re looking for an extracted red fruit blend, this wine won’t let you down.
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11/23/2016 - CocoaComicCraft Likes this wine: 90 Points
Takes a bit of air for alcohol to subside. Nice firm tannins that are surprisingly soft for the age. Complete absence of acid brings it slightly off balance, but not bad if you enjoy Napa jammy flavors. Enjoyed it on its own and with a t-bone. Fruit bursts when paired with steak.
Nose- Blackberry, hibiscus, over ripe cherry, baking spice
Palate- raspberry jam, vanilla, hibiscus tannin
3-22-8-4-3
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11/15/2016 - wesyee Does not like this wine: 80 Points
Deep purple belies the extreme fruit forward start. Unbalanced and way too sweet...
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11/7/2016 - bryon m wrote: 91 Points
This was our starter wine before dinner. This is fresh with lots of bursting flavors but in a silky smooth mouth feel. Very nice wine for the money and good for another year or so
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11/6/2016 - Kskels wrote: 90 Points
Solid
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11/5/2016 - Cgrant1029 wrote: 82 Points
Total garbage. Get the appeal but its not good at all. So many other wines cheaper and better, and that's not coming from a wine snob. I love a lot of under $15 wine.
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11/4/2016 - greedy wrote: 88 Points
I think I have out grown this wine. Harsh finish. Strong alcohol.
Used to love the 2012. But my last taste of 2012 had some notes as this 2014. Won't buy again.
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10/22/2016 - lbathill Likes this wine: 90 Points
Not spectacular but pleasing.
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10/19/2016 - alabunka wrote: 91 Points
It the lush fruit that does not overwhelm that get to you and makes this so enjoyable - but you must be in a mood as this is not an austere balanced sophisticate - its a crowd pleaser and sometimes that's exactly what you need and want
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10/18/2016 - Double-A Does not like this wine: 80 Points
Dark purple colour with a pink rim...an ominous start - it looks manipulated. Nose confirms with confected aromas of plastic wrapped chocolate and grape lollipop. Big and weighty palate; suggests some residual sugar, but without appropriate balancing acid. A tannic finish, but it seems forced into the wine. One sip was one too many.
1/5
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10/8/2016 - Woltmann Likes this wine: 91 Points
Duck with fig gravy
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10/7/2016 - Brhouts Likes this wine: 90 Points
Like it. Big good blend
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9/26/2016 - Wine Grades wrote: 88 Points
Plum and other dark fruits, grilled flavor and peppery notes on the first day. Pepper less so on the second day and even more fruit forward. Okay, but not my cup of juice.
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9/21/2016 - Wine G Does not like this wine: 79 Points
Acyso kind of nailed if. Although a 50 score maybe unrealistic in the Point system. Scorching rubbing alcohol hiding behind a too sweet fruit buttery blanket. Eww
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9/19/2016 - alabunka wrote: 91 Points
still going strong - A consensus rating amongst various palletes and individual tastes - served late into the night with cooked bacon slab, cold cuts and sweet and sour pickles and esoteric conversation......
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9/14/2016 - Glenn92 Likes this wine: 93 Points
Good nose - nice blended nose
Little smokey but good
Had a 1.5 bottles
Good easy jamminess that is nice and back on the road to the old Prisoner
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9/10/2016 - acyso wrote: 50 Points
Saturday hangout (Chicago, IL):
The renowned French gourmand Anthelme Brillat-Savarin wrote: "Dis-moi ce que tu manges, je te dirai ce que tu es." It follows that there is a part of me now that is the 2014 Prisoner Wine Company The Prisoner. A prisoner of what, you ask? The existential angst and dread that follows from having consumed such a heinous concoction. May the Lord have mercy on my soul.
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9/10/2016 - TexasBob Likes this wine: 94 Points
Absolutely gorgeous medium purple-violet. Strong alcohol and acidic red berries on the nose. Very pure red fruit medley with vanillin and sweetened rose petals. Delicious.
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9/4/2016 - ashikoh Likes this wine: 89 Points
Saturated purple to black in color. Aromas of black cherry, plum, mocha, and vanilla. Plump and jammy on the palate with almost syrupy mouthfeel. Dark fruit predominates with cinnamon and pepper on the finish. Blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, and Charbono.
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8/31/2016 - Grouper wrote: 90 Points
great
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8/31/2016 - Grouper wrote: 91 Points
great
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8/20/2016 - Jobu wrote: 93 Points
Complex mish-mash of flavors. Earthy licorice nose. Ripe red fruit up front, raspberries, cherry, plum. Licorice, pepper, and spice follow. Wonderful layered. The finish seems to drop off, at least the fruit, but then it comes back and stays with you. Seems like one of the better vintages of this wine.
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8/15/2016 - Realdoc1 Likes this wine: 90 Points
Caught it on sale. Always a good wine to top off a hard day. It's flooding all around us here in Baton Rouge. It's a great way to cut the tension. A great Zin blend.
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8/14/2016 - Newbieonekanobi Likes this wine: 92 Points
Rich yet slightly dry straight from the bottle. I've had a previous vintage once before but I've long forgotten my feelings about it so this is my first review of this wine. Very rich nose of chocolate, pepper and licorice, and dark and red fruits. This wine to me is the opposite of boring. Sexy fat and velvety mouthfeel that I'm sure will be a crowd pleaser for many. It's less dry than cabs of this price and perhaps more dry than Merlots of this price. Lovely oak, dark cherry, pepper, chocolate and licorice on the palate as well. Tons of fruit initially on the palate. Finish is what I'd expect at this price, a tad on the short side compared to a higher priced cab like chateau montelena, but finish is delicious. If I could afford it, I would keep this regularly stocked in my house. This to me is the poor mans caymus if it were a zin. For $38 I think it's a bargain, much more exciting and sexy and delicious than the also like able seghesio zin. My wife hates dry wine and even she gives this a 7/10. She basically only loves port and the 2007 stags leap petite syrah, which had very smooth tannin six months ago.
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8/6/2016 - bryon m wrote: 91 Points
Silky soft and nice flavors from start to finish. Great wine for the money.
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7/25/2016 - alabunka wrote: 93 Points
too much of a good thing - this has become a staple of our wine experience...and we always look forward to opening up a bottle...15.2% on the alc - but the heat is subtle. hidden, and what a mouthful of flavor!!!
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7/25/2016 - alabunka wrote: 94 Points
When we first tasted this we were quickly overwhelmed by this superbly structured blend that delivered extraordinary fruit, perfect tannins and a wonderful finish that lingers and makes you reflect on what you just sipped. A wine loved by all who taste - goes very well with marinated flank steak, or any red meat for that matter.
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7/15/2016 - Life At Your Leisure 🍷 wrote: 94 Points
Dark purple color turning violet at the rim with a transparent edge. The nose is on high octane (15.2% alcohol) with red candied berries, vanilla, and chocolate. The palate is bold, round, polished with a velvety texture. Flavors of macerated red cherry, raspberry, red licorice, cola, vanilla extract, and dark chocolate shavings. This is very fruit forward, low acidity, and delivers a killer punch. Finishes long, lifted and jammy with refined tannin. Drink now until 2024.
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6/22/2016 - sailincarib Likes this wine: 91 Points
An excellent Bordeaux style wine. Wonderful blend. Great with hearty protein beef. Stands up well. Will buy again
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5/29/2016 - dcs001 Likes this wine: 94 Points
One of my favorites
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5/29/2016 - Codeman_44 wrote: 90 Points
Pretty big and bold. After an hour the burn calmed down and really started to bring out the bright red dry fruit 90+ with a few more years I could see this easily climbing a few more points.
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5/25/2016 - SlimShaney Likes this wine: 92 Points
Juicy and sweet yet a little burnt. Hopefully in a few years the components will unify. But still this wine is a succulent pleasure.
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5/21/2016 - pmcnenny wrote: flawed
Richard birthday present
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5/9/2016 - Dchrisphillip wrote: 93 Points
Hate to admit it but I really liked this wine. Low acidity, big flavor and full. Not big and dry enough to hold up to steal but a really good pre-dinner wine.
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4/29/2016 - Geaux Tigers wrote: 90 Points
Good but not great. Red blue fruit but nothing special, mostly hidden by vanilla notes without accompanying oak notes. Seemed manufactured....hmmmm....next generation's Caymus?
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4/24/2016 - nickgorski wrote:
60m decant. Had this immediately after a 2010 Orin Swift Prisoner. Lighter and fruitier than the 2010. Decent tannins, will develop over the next few years. It lacks the oomph and raw power that the Orin Swift vintages had in the past, but would be delightful if not for the memories of those bottles.
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4/20/2016 - Lulu2 wrote: 89 Points
Excellent, but needs a tad more ageing!?
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4/4/2016 - BigBoy_Sonoma Likes this wine: 89 Points
Blackberries, blueberry jam, pepper, spice, cedar and smokey oak. B+
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4/1/2016 - rickwunderwood@yahoo.com wrote: 92 Points
Wait for it...this fantastic blend needs a little time to get going, but when it does - so good.
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3/26/2016 - SlimShaney wrote: 90 Points
The prison transport arrived and I excitedly freed him from his chains and shackles.
However, for now the convict certainly needs a few more years locked away. He's too fiery. The stains of his crime still scarring his conscience.
Several years hence the parole board may reconsider. Hopefully by then he's found peace and harmony.
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3/24/2016 - creek55 Likes this wine: 91 Points
A nice compliment to a NCAA Sweet 16 game. This wine will get better with age.
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3/20/2016 - isaacjamesbaker wrote: 87 Points
Few Blind CA Reds: Vibrant purple color. Smells rich and juicy, with raspberry and blackberry jams, candied cherries, along with vanilla, spiced coffee and dark chocolate shavings. On the palate, this is a full-bodied and jammy wine with chewy tannins and low acidity. Bold, saucy fruit (blackberry and raspberry jams and sweet black cherries). Sure there’s plenty of toast, vanilla and coconut but time coaxes out nuances of loam and spiced coffee and dark chocolate. Stylistically, this is uber rich and forward, but it is undeniably delicious. Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Charbona, aged in 30% new French and American oak.
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3/7/2016 - MelroseCellars Likes this wine: 89 Points
Very good wine, drank straight from bottle. Red color with violet tint. Nice nose, fruit forward with a balanced earthy finish. A grippy wine that sets nicely on the tongue. Only gripe is a slight funky aftertaste, but right now I associate that with being such a young wine drank straight from the bottle.
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2/26/2016 - ccromley5 wrote: 91 Points
My favorite Zin!
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2/18/2016 - Matt Scott wrote: 89 Points
High octane and vivid, this is great for a bar b q. A medium finish, with velvety tannins. Blackberry, coffee grounds, white flowers, furniture polish and spice. Decant to help it mellow. Drink now - 2020.
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1/6/2016 - FranklinSix Likes this wine: 91 Points
Highly recommend this wine. It's was terrifically balanced and provided plenty of oomph at this price point. In fact, I'd say it drank like a wine priced two times as high. The wine is not tannic and ready to drink now. It's got a nice fullness and depth. It is not complex, but satisfying. No disputing this for me - it is a terrific wine and something I'd gladly serve anyone for general occasions.
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1/5/2016 - Sergio Nahuz Likes this wine: 93 Points
Great wine
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12/31/2015 - SGates Likes this wine: 88 Points
lighter than I expected. Maybe still too young, hopefully it will continue to develop with time. This was lighter and brighter than prior vintages. Still spicy and smooth as ever, but not the monster wine it used to be.
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12/14/2015 - Bottledrainer Likes this wine: 89 Points
The Prisoner is not what it used to be. Still good but no longer the experience it used to be. Very dry and dusty but with a slight amount of fruit on the finish.
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12/5/2015 - nzinkgraf wrote:
Not a shy wine, but exhibiting some rainwater aroma to the nose. Generally big swee fruit, brown sugar, vanilla, caramel, marshmallow. A-SMORES-of-a-wine.
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12/2/2015 - Rob noxious wrote:
To Janis
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11/27/2015 - rjrwinesnobs Likes this wine: 93 Points
Young wine decanted and improved over 2 hours. Easy Drinking
The wine looks inky colored. The legs are slow. There is no sediment in the bottle. It smells like black currant (cassis) and plum. The body is full. The wine has smooth texture. The wine finishes long. The wine has low acidity.
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