Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
An impressive, large-format 3-liter (Double Magnum) bottle of 'The Prisoner' Red Blend, one of Napa Valley's most disruptive and iconic modern wines. This imposing bottle features the famous label art inspired by Francisco de Goya's etching 'The Little Prisoner' (Le Petit Prisonnier), making it a dramatic centerpiece for any collector's cellar.
Story
In 2000, winemaker Dave Phinney launched a bold, zinfandel-led blend that defied traditional Napa rules. Named after a haunting Goya etching, this wine single-handedly sparked a global obsession with premium red blends.
Maker / Origin
The Prisoner was created by visionary winemaker Dave Phinney of Orin Swift Cellars, who sought to revive the historic California field blend. Phinney's knack for provocative branding and rich, fruit-forward flavor profiles turned this single label into a cultural phenomenon before the brand was acquired by Constellation Brands.
Condition & Value
The bottle appears to be in good cosmetic condition with the front label fully intact and clean. The fill level and capsule integrity cannot be fully evaluated from the front photo, but there are no signs of active leakage. Proper cellar storage is critical to maintaining the value of the liquid inside.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.