The Prisoner Wine Company
Headlock Charbono
Napa Valley
2023
Vintage
Varietal
Charbono
ABV
Where it is, June 2026
At Peak: in the heart of its drinking window (2026-2031).
In May 2026 the 2023 Headlock Charbono is within its drinking window and showing the kind of accessible, enjoyable character that The Prisoner Wine Company has perfected across its portfolio. The dried cherry and cranberry fruit is bright and inviting, the tannins are soft and polished, and the toasty vanilla finish is fully integrated. There is nothing gained from extensive cellaring on this wine; it was crafted for pleasure within a five to six year window of release. A brief 15-to-20 minute decant will open the savory notes and allow the full aromatic range to emerge. Enjoy it through 2031 while the fruit retains its vitality.
Related vintages
The ‘23 Headlock Charbono.
A rare California Charbono-dominant red from Calistoga's Meyer Vineyard, delivering dried cherry, pomegranate and roasted-meat savory depth in a balanced, approachable package.
Drinking window
Tasting note
The 2023 Prisoner Wine Company Headlock Charbono from Napa Valley is an uncommon and rewarding bottle, built around Charbono, one of California's rarest commercially cultivated varieties. Sourced from Meyer Vineyard in Calistoga, this Charbono-dominant blend with a measure of Syrah opens with an inviting nose of dried cherry, cranberry and pomegranate, fruit flavors that lean toward the tart and dried end of the spectrum rather than the plush. A roasted-meat savory quality adds complexity and depth to the aromatic profile, and a toasty vanilla note from oak aging rounds the finish. On the palate the wine has a firm but balanced texture, with the tannins sitting comfortably without austerity. The mid-palate is generous and the savor of the Charbono grape, which typically contributes dark color and earthy depth, is evident throughout. The finish lingers with toasty warmth and a hint of vanilla before fading cleanly. This is a wine for those who seek something genuinely different in the California red landscape: not a Cabernet, not a Zinfandel, but a grape with its own history and character.
The 2023 vintage
The 2023 growing season in Napa Valley's Calistoga sub-region was notably warm, which suits Charbono exceptionally well. The variety thrives in the hottest parts of Napa, particularly the northern end of the valley, where it can achieve full ripeness and develop the deep color and earthy complexity for which it is prized. Meyer Vineyard in Calistoga is a warm-climate site, and in 2023 the conditions aligned perfectly for Charbono to produce concentrated, balanced fruit. The Syrah component added aromatic lift and freshness to complement the Charbono's earthy depth.
About The Prisoner Wine Company
The Prisoner Wine Company, based in Napa Valley, has built its identity on bold, imaginative expressions that celebrate grape varieties and blending approaches outside the conventional California playbook. The Headlock Charbono is one of the most distinctive expressions in the portfolio, celebrating a variety that once grew widely in California before being nearly abandoned in favor of more commercial grapes. The company's sourcing relationship with Meyer Vineyard in Calistoga gives them access to some of the most characterful Charbono in the state.
From the cellar: pair with
Braised duck legs with cherry and thyme
The wine's dried cherry and pomegranate notes mirror the fruit in a duck braise, while the roasted-meat savory quality amplifies the depth of the slow-cooked preparation.
Italian sausage with roasted peppers and polenta
Charbono's earthy, rustic character is a natural fit for the bold, savory flavors of Italian sausage, and the vanilla finish softens the spice.
Mushroom-stuffed pork tenderloin
The earthy depth of the mushrooms and the savory character of pork find a complementary partner in the Charbono's dark, earthy profile.
Service & cellaring
- Serving Temp
- 16-17C / 61-63F
- Decanting
- Decant for 15 to 20 minutes. The wine is accessible without decanting but the savory notes and aromatic complexity open noticeably with a brief rest. Serve in a standard red wine glass.
- Cellar Storage
- 12-14C / 54-57F
The drinking window on this bottle is calculated with the Cellared Ageability Index (CAI) v1.0, a 10-factor model. Try the free drinking window calculator on any wine, or read when to drink wine for the practical signals.
More from Napa Valley
Frequently Asked
What is Charbono?
Charbono is a rare red grape variety that once grew widely across California before largely falling out of commercial production. It is believed to be related to the Corbeau or Douce Noire grape of Savoie in France. Charbono typically produces deeply colored, earthy wines with firm tannins and a distinctive tart red fruit character.
Where is Meyer Vineyard?
Meyer Vineyard is located in Calistoga, the northernmost and typically warmest sub-appellation of Napa Valley. The warm conditions at the site suit Charbono's need for full ripeness to tame its naturally firm tannins.
When should I drink the 2023 Headlock?
The wine is drinking well now and will remain at its best through 2031. It is built for near-term enjoyment rather than extended cellaring.
How does the Syrah component affect the wine?
The Syrah addition contributes aromatic lift, spice and freshness that complement Charbono's naturally earthy, dark character. The combination adds aromatic complexity and makes the blend more approachable in its youth.