2012 Orin Swift The Prisoner

There are 20,000 cases of the 2012 The Prisoner, which is an interesting blend of 46% Zinfandel, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon,18% Petite Sirah, 12% Syrah, and a small amount of Charbono. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a big, peppery, meaty, Rhone-like bouquet with hints of bay leaf, unsmoked cigar tobacco, black currants and sweet jammy cherries. Medium to full-bodied and explosively fruity, this is a lovely, hedonistic, seriously endowed red to drink over the next 3-4 years. These offerings, which are the products of Quintessa’s Huneus family, are interesting wines, especially the proprietary blends. I hope consumers embrace these blends as they give winemakers lots of different options. Even more important, they are a lot of fun to taste. Tel. (707) 967-9168