Wine Reviews: Are The Prisoner Wines Worth a Try in 2025?

Few wines have transformed American winemaking like The Prisoner. What started as Dave Phinney’s daring experiment in Napa Valley quickly evolved into a sensation—a wine so unapologetically bold and unique that it redefined the concept of red blends. With its deep color, rich fruit flavors, and eye-catching label (inspired by Goya’s The Little Prisoner), it became more than just a bottle; it was a declaration.

However, the wine industry is ever-changing. New challengers arise, tastes shift, and even legends must demonstrate their relevance. So we pondered: Does The Prisoner still stand strong in 2025?

We put four of their recent releases to the test—no hype, no nostalgia, just honest assessment. Below, we share our thoughts on:

• The Prisoner Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
• The Prisoner Red Blend 2021
• The Prisoner Saldo Zinfandel 2022
• The Prisoner Chardonnay 2021

Is The Prisoner still a wine you must experience, or has it slipped into obscurity? Here’s our candid assessment.

Tasting Notes: The Prisoner Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

This Cabernet is expertly crafted, showcasing a robust and rich character. Its aroma is filled with dark fruits like blackberry and plum, complemented by hints of vanilla and oak. On the palate, it presents a luxurious structure with firm tannins, revealing flavors of black cherry, dark chocolate, and a dash of baking spice. The finish is velvety, leaving behind subtle notes of toasted oak and leather.

For it's price point, it may not be an everyday choice for many, however it embraces the fruit-forward essence that The Prisoner is celebrated for. Perfect for pairing with grilled meats or savoring solo, this Cabernet is a dependable choice for fans of a ripe, refined California style.

Tasting Notes: The Prisoner Red Blend 2021

The Prisoner Red Blend has truly made a name for itself. Since it first appeared over twenty years ago, it has set the standard for bold and approachable California red blends. In fact, it is now the best-selling red blend priced over HK$200 in the U.S., inspiring many imitations along the way.

The 2021 vintage offers exactly what its fans love: a rich, fruit-forward wine that boasts depth and refinement. The aroma is enticing, featuring ripe blackberry, dark cherry, and a hint of vanilla and baking spice from oak aging. On the palate, it is lush and full-bodied, showcasing layers of black fruit, plum, and a touch of mocha. The tannins are smooth yet provide enough structure, while the finish is long-lasting with subtle hints of oak and dark chocolate. What truly impresses is its balance—it’s bold without being overwhelming, fruit-driven yet not excessively sweet.

It's an excellent value, if you appreciate full-bodied California reds with a hint of luxury, The Prisoner Red Blend is still a dependable option—a wine that has played a significant role in shaping its category and continues to impress.

Tasting Notes: The Prisoner Saldo Zinfandel 2022

California Zinfandel has a rich history, with gnarly old vines producing some of the state's most characterful wines. The Prisoner's Saldo bottling honors this tradition while putting its own polished spin on the variety. Sourced from vineyards across the North Coast and Central Valley, including some heritage sites, this Zinfandel offers depth without pretension.

The 2022 vintage is all about bold, sun-ripened fruit—think blackberry jam, blueberry compote, and a splash of grenadine—with nuances of black pepper, vanilla, and toasted oak adding complexity. The palate is plush and full-bodied, with enough acidity to keep the ripe fruit in check and silky tannins that make it dangerously easy to drink. While not as rustic or terroir-driven as some single-vineyard Zins, it's impeccably balanced, with a lingering finish of baking spices and dark chocolate.

At its price point, Saldo strikes a smart balance between mass appeal and craftsmanship. It's a wine that will satisfy both casual drinkers and more experienced Zinfendel fans looking for reliable quality, it's versatile enough to work in any setting.

Tasting Notes: The Prisoner Chardonnay 2021

As a fan of The Prisoner's reds, I was excited to sample their Chardonnay, and it truly impressed me. This wine embodies the essence of Napa Valley: luxurious, rich, and indulgent, yet perfectly balanced to avoid being overly sweet.

The aroma is an enticing blend of ripe pear, baked apple, and vanilla, complemented by hints of butterscotch and toasted oak. On the palate, it’s creamy and full-bodied, showcasing flavors of crème brûlée, pineapple, and a splash of citrus for freshness. The oak presence is subtle and well-blended, providing structure without overshadowing the fruit. The finish is lengthy, leaving a warm spice and a touch of sweetness that makes it dangerously drinkable.

While it may not win over those who prefer lean, mineral-driven Chardonnays, it’s an excellent pick for fans of the classic Napa style—bold, buttery, and fruit-forward. Priced at HK$390, it offers great value for its quality, delivering a luxurious experience without a hefty price tag. If you appreciate rich, expertly crafted Chardonnays, this one is definitely worth trying.

Final Thoughts

The Prisoner has been a pioneer for decades, and while the wine world continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: they aren’t going anywhere. Their wines still deliver exactly what they promise—bold, rich, and unapologetically expressive. That said, at their current price point, they may not be the most compelling choice for those seeking cutting-edge value or experimental styles.

For me, the standout surprise was The Prisoner Chardonnay. As a brand celebrated for its powerful reds, this white completely exceeded expectations—offering a luxuriously smooth, fruit-forward profile with just the right balance of opulence and freshness. If there’s one wine in their lineup that truly justifies its price, this is it. While the reds remain solid, the Chardonnay proves The Prisoner can excel beyond its signature blends—making it a must-try, even for skeptics.

So, is The Prisoner still relevant? Yes—but its greatest strength may no longer be in reinvention, but in delivering exactly what loyal fans love. And with surprises like that Chardonnay, there’s still plenty to discover.

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