The Prisoner, 2008

Once again, in anticipation of my trip to California and another favorite red blend of mine, I have to review The Prisoner, 2008.  In 2009 I read a lot how wonderful this wine was, but I was not able to find it.  Last year it finally hit the stores and I've been buying it ever since.  A bit more expensive than my everyday wines ($35) I purchase this for special meals and occasions.  

The Prisoner is from Orin Swift Cellars in Rutherford, California.   A blend of 46% Zinfandel, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, 10% Petite Sirah,  2% Charbono, and  1% Grenache, this wine is superb and smooth.  The color is a rich, dark red.  An aroma of berry.  A flavor of dark fruit with light tannins. Nicely balanced. When customers are looking for special bottle of wine I recommend this.  There are a number of customers that I talk with at my tastings who also enjoy this.  This is a must try!   

Winemaker's Notes:  "Great color, deep, dark garnet with a clean and bright red band in the rim. The aromas take a minute to come up, and then they take off into a blend of ripe berry and cherry with just a hint of new oak. We age the wine in both new and seasoned French and American oak.

The front of the wine is soft and almost immediately begins evolving into the broad mid-palate. The mid has weight, length, and structure. The acids were great in 2008 and provide an essential rounding effect to the "big fruit" inherent in the wine.

The finish is long and filled with ripe, soft tannins. The 2008 has much the same tannin structure of the 2004 which is a personal favorite."

In the grocery store today I saw Orin Swift's Saldo, 2009.  Of course I purchased it and will be tasting it this weekend and then  post a  review.  

I have an appointment at Orin Swift Cellars for a tasting while I'm in California.  It's one of the few wineries where the tasting is FREE.  I can't wait to taste!