Thorn By The Prisoner Winery
Napa Valley Merlot Blend
Napa Valley, California, USA
Dark purple with color to the rim. Big nose of plum and elderberry compote in an oak bowl. Echoed on the full-bodied palate supported by juicy medium acidity and non-threatening medium minus tannins. Surprisingly smooth despite the 15.2% alcohol. Probably the best thing Prisoner Wine Company makes. A burly California style Merlot with enough finesse for fine meals but still sippable (over time… again 15.2% 😏) enough for casual wine and cheese evenings. Drink now through 2028, but don't expect much development.
Dark purple with color to the rim. Big nose of plum and elderberry compote in an oak bowl. Echoed on the full-bodied palate supported by juicy medium acidity and non-threatening medium minus tannins. Surprisingly smooth despite the 15.2% alcohol. Probably the best thing Prisoner Wine Company makes. A burly California style Merlot with enough finesse for fine meals but still sippable (over time… again 15.2% 😏) enough for casual wine and cheese evenings. Drink now through 2028, but don't expect much development.
Jan 6th, 2024
The ‘14 vintage just as excellent. Powerful Merlot. Smooth and balanced, but packing a punch.
The ‘14 vintage just as excellent. Powerful Merlot. Smooth and balanced, but packing a punch.
Sep 8th, 2018Yum. Spicy for a Merlot.
Yum. Spicy for a Merlot.
1 person found it helpfulFeb 28th, 2018
Drinking in 2024. Classic merlot big welcoming burst of plum fruit on the nose, but astringent even after letting sit an hour. Not subtle in the least. Probably the 15.2% alcohol
Drinking in 2024. Classic merlot big welcoming burst of plum fruit on the nose, but astringent even after letting sit an hour. Not subtle in the least. Probably the 15.2% alcohol
Mar 17th, 2024
Had this for Thanksgiving, and it’s the second time the bottle has tasted astringent and off-putting, yet not corked. Last time was Thanksgiving 2021. Disappointing. I’m giving up on Thorn. Maybe there’s a reason for no new vintages.
Had this for Thanksgiving, and it’s the second time the bottle has tasted astringent and off-putting, yet not corked. Last time was Thanksgiving 2021. Disappointing. I’m giving up on Thorn. Maybe there’s a reason for no new vintages.
Nov 23rd, 2023Thankful to have this wine again with turkey and stuffing ;) A little hot, even after 4 hrs open
Thankful to have this wine again with turkey and stuffing ;) A little hot, even after 4 hrs open
Nov 25th, 2021
Very good. Expecting it to be a bit smoother, but it definitely is powerful.
Very good. Expecting it to be a bit smoother, but it definitely is powerful.
Jan 10th, 2021Very nice. Powerful Merlot - pairs well with juicy tender steak and creamy sides
Very nice. Powerful Merlot - pairs well with juicy tender steak and creamy sides
May 11th, 202012/19. Very nice Merlot blend. Body, flavor and finish. Paired well with flank steak and cabbage.
12/19. Very nice Merlot blend. Body, flavor and finish. Paired well with flank steak and cabbage.
Dec 13th, 2019Woah, what a Merlot! One of the best I’ve had of this varietal (blended with Syrah). Big, deep, dark fruits and a woody vanilla spice finish that cuts through the smooth sweetness. Complex and layered, with just the right amount of tannins. This is why I love TPW Co. Savored this one with filet mignon in red wine balsamic wild mushrooms, creamy polenta, and honey Dijon romaine salad.
Woah, what a Merlot! One of the best I’ve had of this varietal (blended with Syrah). Big, deep, dark fruits and a woody vanilla spice finish that cuts through the smooth sweetness. Complex and layered, with just the right amount of tannins. This is why I love TPW Co. Savored this one with filet mignon in red wine balsamic wild mushrooms, creamy polenta, and honey Dijon romaine salad.
Sep 14th, 2019