91pts Wilfred Wong

The 2021 Prisoner Wine Company Saldo Chenin Blanc is an excellent example of this grape variety's dry, New World version. TASTING NOTES: This wine excels with aromas and flavors of dried earth, chalky notes, and ripe melon. Pair it with pan-fried, breaded oysters. (Tasted: May 16, 2022, San Francisco, CA

Winemaker Notes

High density of fruit aromas, including pineapple, white peach, and brown spice. Flavors of pineapple and honey crisp apple dominate the palate.

Blend: 90% Chenin Blanc, 7% Muscat, 3% Verdelho

Winery Description

The Prisoner Wine Company’s eponymous first wine was inspired by the drinkable “mixed blacks” made by the Italian immigrants who originally settled in Napa Valley. Since launch, The Prisoner soon became recognized as one of the most innovative Napa Valley wines, leading the resurgence of California red blends and earning “cult wine” status. Now complemented by a white blend (Blindfold), Chardonnay (The Snitch), Cabernet Sauvignon (Cuttings), Zinfandel (Saldo), Merlot (Thorn) and a Red Blend (Dérangé), The Prisoner Wine Company’s winemaking philosophy remains the same: To collaborate with a family of growers throughout California’s best winegrowing regions to craft wines of exceptional quality and unexpected character.

The Prisoner Wine Company acquires grapes from more than 100 vineyards throughout California’s premier grape-growing regions, partnering with phenomenal growers who are dedicated to cultivating unique varieties. Chrissy Wittmann and her team of winemakers collaborate with this family of growers, visiting each vineyard site throughout the year to carefully assess the style and quality of every lot to make the best possible wine from each vintage.