Prisoner Cabernet Sauvignon

This California Cabernet Sauvignon from The Prisoner Wine Company carries a stated 14.5% ABV, which puts it at the fuller end of the style. Expect the weight to match: a full-bodied red built around dark fruit such as blackcurrant, blackberry and black cherry, with the supporting notes Cabernet from warm California growing areas usually shows, including cedar, vanilla and mocha from oak aging, and a hint of baking spice. Wines in this style generally have firm but ripe tannins and moderate acidity, so the texture reads as plush and structured rather than sharp. The finish is typically long and warming, a result of that alcohol level and the ripe fruit behind it. That structure makes the wine a natural partner for rich, fatty and well-seasoned food. Grilled ribeye, strip steak or a bone-in short rib all give the tannins protein and fat to work against. Burgers with aged cheddar, lamb chops with rosemary, and slow-braised beef also suit it well, as do mushroom dishes and hard cheeses such as aged gouda or Manchego. Lighter fish and delicate salads will be overpowered, so keep this one for heartier plates. Serve it at roughly 60 to 65°F, which is a little below typical room temperature. A red at this alcohol level can taste heavy and hot when served too warm, so twenty minutes in the refrigerator before opening helps if the bottle has been sitting in a warm room. Pouring it into a decanter, or simply opening the bottle 30 to 45 minutes ahead, will soften the tannins and let the oak and fruit integrate, especially if the bottle is young. A large-bowled Bordeaux-style glass gives the aromas room to open and directs the wine toward the center of the palate. Wines like this are generally made to be approachable on release and are best enjoyed within a few years of purchase, though a well-stored bottle can hold its character for a while longer. There is no need to cellar it with a long horizon in mind. Stored on its side, away from heat and light, it will be ready to pour whenever you open it.