The Prisoner Wine Company

Thorn Napa Valley Merlot

9.0273 ratings
9.016 pro ratings
California, USA
Merlot
Beef, Venison, Salami & Prosciutto, Chili & Hot Spicy, Potato, Exotic Spices, Lamb, White Rice, Baking Spices, Herbs, Pasta, Chicken, Mushrooms, Pungent Cheese, Turkey, Tomato-Based, Soft Cheese, Pork, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Duck, Onion, Shallot, Garlic
Top Notes For
Michael Humphrey

This is a new from The Prisoner Wine Co. called Thorn. It's mostly Merlot. Like 95%, rich and smokey, layers of intense chocolate and coffee with some leather and wood.

This is a new from The Prisoner Wine Co. called Thorn. It's mostly Merlot. Like 95%, rich and smokey, layers of intense chocolate and coffee with some leather and wood.

4 people found it helpfulJan 27th, 2015
Shadd Scott

Oaky, extracted Napa Merlot. 15.2%abv. Needs charred, bloody steak. Big boy.

Oaky, extracted Napa Merlot. 15.2%abv. Needs charred, bloody steak. Big boy.

2 people found it helpfulFeb 12th, 2015
Boris Mathiszik

Big. Big. Need a ribeye steak with this. Really powerful Merlot. Impressive. Top 10 2017 tasting at NCWC. I bought more bottles to investigate. WS also rated this 91 Pts. 12/16/17 - rating upped to 92 - this is the ultimate Brazilian Churrasco slayer. At Fogo de Chao, San Diego.

Big. Big. Need a ribeye steak with this. Really powerful Merlot. Impressive. Top 10 2017 tasting at NCWC. I bought more bottles to investigate. WS also rated this 91 Pts. 12/16/17 - rating upped to 92 - this is the ultimate Brazilian Churrasco slayer. At Fogo de Chao, San Diego.

1 person found it helpfulDec 16th, 2017
Jason McLaren

Delicious. Great fruit. Smooth and I swear I get coconut, but I am at the beach. I guess the 12 was not great but the 13 is amazing

Delicious. Great fruit. Smooth and I swear I get coconut, but I am at the beach. I guess the 12 was not great but the 13 is amazing

1 person found it helpfulMay 16th, 2017
Chris Zitzman

Good juice! Stem to stern it's impressive. After a good decant; Rich, lush nose of currant and spice unfolds onto the palate. Juicy and notable to me for its balance and harmonious symmetry between flavors and feel. Gorgeous finish.

Good juice! Stem to stern it's impressive. After a good decant; Rich, lush nose of currant and spice unfolds onto the palate. Juicy and notable to me for its balance and harmonious symmetry between flavors and feel. Gorgeous finish.

Oct 2nd, 2016
Matt Sterr

Earth and spice, dark fruit.

Earth and spice, dark fruit.

Jun 30th, 2016
Bryant Bickel

Sloppy, heavy handed

Sloppy, heavy handed

Feb 10th, 2016
Cory Fierro

Trying to get into merlot a lot more, and this was not a great example of a classic style. I mean that in the best way as it is definitely a part of the Prisoner Wine Company lineup, big and bold and full of flavor.

The nose is full of sweet chocolate and blue fruits with a little bit of nutmeg and eucalyptus. The palate is supremely soft (can be described as silky) and full of blue fruit flavor. I love it, big bold flaws and all.

Trying to get into merlot a lot more, and this was not a great example of a classic style. I mean that in the best way as it is definitely a part of the Prisoner Wine Company lineup, big and bold and full of flavor.

The nose is full of sweet chocolate and blue fruits with a little bit of nutmeg and eucalyptus. The palate is supremely soft (can be described as silky) and full of blue fruit flavor. I love it, big bold flaws and all.

Nov 19th, 2015
Christopher Cordero

If you want a wine that makes a bold statement, check this one out. Strong, dark fruits encased with smooth tannins and a lingering finish.

If you want a wine that makes a bold statement, check this one out. Strong, dark fruits encased with smooth tannins and a lingering finish.

May 24th, 2015
Rachel Butler

Medium to medium - tannin, heavy staining on glass, high viscosity. The low tannin makes this an easy drink, jammy black fruits and violet notes.

Medium to medium - tannin, heavy staining on glass, high viscosity. The low tannin makes this an easy drink, jammy black fruits and violet notes.

Mar 5th, 2015