The Prisoner Carneros Chardonnay

This fabulous Prisoner Chardonnay is rich, full bodied and is dangerously irresistible. Notes of apricot and yellow peach are accented by toasted marshmallow, dried pineapple, vanilla, and lemon zest. On the palate, lemon zest and peach cobbler are balanced with a bright acidity. Golden delicious apple, marzipan, and toasted coconut linger on the finish.

• Winery: The Prisoner Wine Company
  
• Varietal: Chardonnay, Viognier, Gewürztraminer
  
• Region: California, USA
  
• Vintage: 2021
  
• Alcohol: 14.5%
  
• Volume: 750ml
  
• Closure: Cork
  
• Food pairing: Chicken; veal & pork; shrimp, crab & lobster; potato & squash; cream & pesto sauces; mild & semi soft cheeses
  

This fabulous Prisoner Chardonnay is rich and full bodied and is dangerously irresistible. Notes of apricot and yellow peach are accented by toasted marshmallow, dried pineapple, vanilla, and lemon zest. On the palate, lemon zest and peach cobbler are balanced with a bright acidity. Golden delicious apple, marzipan, and toasted coconut linger on the finish.

THE PRISONER 

The Prisoner was born out of a disregard for convention and a deep confidence in creative possibility. By introducing the now-iconic Red Blend that defied expectations in both wine style and branding, The Prisoner forever changed the landscape of winemaking in Napa and the world of luxury wines.

Both then and now, the brand draws inspiration from the world of fine art. The strikingly dark label on its flagship wine features an etching by Francisco Goya, with a title that translates to “the custody is as barbaric as the crime.” This is more than just an evocative image—it is a symbol of the brand’s essence. Taken from his Disasters of War series, it stands as a bold artistic protest against social injustice—an approach and sentiment that The Prisoner continues to champion today. 

Director of Winemaking, Chrissy Wittmann, collaborates with over 120 small growers across California to source the finest grapes for these distinctive and complex blends. This allows Chrissy to select the best fruit each year, ensuring consistently exceptional and delicious wines.

THE LABEL

The name The Prisoner and its flagship label were inspired by an etching titled Le Petit Prisonnier by the 19th-century Spanish artist Francisco Goya. Its subtitle, which translates to “the custody is as barbaric as the crime,” reflects the stark injustices he sought to expose. The sketch is part of Goya’s The Disasters of War series, a haunting visual protest against the brutality of the Spanish War of Independence in 1808.

Since its inception, The Prisoner Wine Company has stood against oppression while embracing creativity. Fighting injustice, particularly within the U.S. prison and policing systems, is deeply embedded in the brand’s identity and remains a core focus of its mission. At The Prisoner, they recognise that the issues within the prison system are deeply rooted, complex, and difficult to untangle. Yet, they firmly believe that change is possible and that it begins with conversation, collaboration, and creativity.

• 93/100 Points - Cameron Douglas (2021 vintage)
• 90/100 Points - Wilfred Wong (2019 vintage)