We all know how much I enjoy The Prisoner wines, and write about them a lot on this blog. I like them because they are easy to drink and very approachable for all palates. They also launched Unshackled a wine label where each varietal compliments and challenges one another.

“The delicious and daring combinations of mixed blacks, reds, and whites showcase the best of what California has to offer. Unshackled is potential unleashed. Pleasure unbottled. Taste unparalleled. It’s what happens when you take the cuffs off. Go ahead, unlock the experience for yourself.” – Unshackledwines.com

I was super excited to try these wines, and opted for the Red Blend and the Rosé. The rosé is bright and crisp with tons of uplifting strawberry, melon, and tropical fruit. The acidity is captivating, and the finish is delicious; overall it’s a wonderful wine. The grapes are sourced from different areas of CA, including the Central Coast with Monterey and Santa Barbara. In the North Coast, from Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley. This wine is a blend of Pinot Noir, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, which I think is a pretty amazing blend.

I love this style of wine with perfect summer salads such as Melon Prosciutto Salad, Watermelon Caprese, or with Grilled Peach and Burrata salad.

The Red Blend was also a lot of fun to sip, with aromas of raspberry, ripe black fruit, spices, pepper, and dried cherry. It has a big mouth feel thats silky and super balanced. This wine is a blend of Zinfandel, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Grenache, and spends 10 months in barrel. The fruit is sourced from two different areas, Central Coast like Monterey, San Benito, Paso Robles and AVA’s in the North Coast like Lodi, Sonoma, Dry Creek, Mendocino, Redwood Valley, and Lake County.

This wine easily pairs well with red meat, as well as Carnitas Tacos, Grilled Caprese Salad, Grilled Fish, and a classic Strip Steak! If you want to do something a little bolder, use a coffee rub, for a nice “daring” pairing on your red meat, to enhance those spice notes, and the flavors in the wine.

Looking for new wines? These wines are sipp-able all year long, but make sure to grab them for some of your end of summer BBQ’s, they are perfect pairings with backyard parties and more!

Always remember, eat what you like and drink what you love. Please pair responsibly.