The Prisoner Wine Company Thorn Merlot 2012
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Wilfred
Wong
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
Are you game for this or do just want to say with the familiar? A sort of different kind of Merlot, the 2012 Thorn does not stick to the Bordeaux/Left Bank model. If fact I don't know what template was used to design this wine? There is an endearing note to this wine made me pause in my tracks. Perhaps it is the use of Malbec and Syrah that spins a different tale. After I had competed my look at this one, I simply have to call this one: An American Merlot with a mind of its own. Deep ruby, black color; bold and boastful ripe red fruit aromas, some sandalwood adds nice interest; full bodied, rewarding yet softish on the palate; dryish, moderate acidity, fine balance; nifty, ripe fruit flavors that take it far away from the Old World, delectable. Smooth aftertaste. Drinking now. (Tasted: December 2, 2015, San Francisco, CA)
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The Prisoner Wine Company’s eponymous first wine was inspired by the drinkable “mixed blacks” made by the Italian immigrants who originally settled in Napa Valley. Since launch, The Prisoner soon became recognized as one of the most innovative Napa Valley wines, leading the resurgence of California red blends and earning “cult wine” status. Now complemented by a white blend (Blindfold), Chardonnay (The Snitch), Cabernet Sauvignon (Cuttings), Zinfandel (Saldo), Merlot (Thorn) and a Red Blend (Dérangé), The Prisoner Wine Company’s winemaking philosophy remains the same: To collaborate with a family of growers throughout California’s best winegrowing regions to craft wines of exceptional quality and unexpected character.
The Prisoner Wine Company acquires grapes from more than 100 vineyards throughout California’s premier grape-growing regions, partnering with phenomenal growers who are dedicated to cultivating unique varieties. Chrissy Wittmann and her team of winemakers collaborate with this family of growers, visiting each vineyard site throughout the year to carefully assess the style and quality of every lot to make the best possible wine from each vintage.
As Napa Valley’s third most planted grape, Napa Valley Merlot shows time and time again its potential to produce exceptional results. Napa’s vaunted combination of climate, soil and the human factor of winemaking expertise lead to big, ripe, cellar-worthy and world-class versions.
Whether made by itself in single varietal bottlings or as an important role in Bordeaux Blends, Merlot continues a prominent role in this famous region. While Cabernet typically takes the lead role, Merlot’s contribution—even at 10% to 20% or so—is significant indeed. Often described as “the flesh on Cabernet’s bones,” Merlot lends a soft, round and plush character that beautifully complements Cabernet’s linear, full-throttle structure. Its flavors of plums plus subtle herbs and mint also dovetail nicely with Cabernet’s blackberry and cassis.