The Prisoner Wine Company announces the introduction of a new Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Carneros Chardonnay to accompany its iconic flagship Napa Valley Red Blend under the label of “The Prisoner.” The brand shook the industry over two decades ago with the first release of its namesake, The Prisoner, and has since become recognized for its portfolio of boundary breaking super-luxury blends with visually provocative labels. These new offerings will allow more consumers than ever to experience the allure of The Prisoner, which sells out annually due to strong demand. This trio of wines is available online and at retailers nationwide in 750mL and 375mL formats, as well as a gift pack of three 375mL bottles, arriving in time for the holidays.
Developed by The Prisoner Wine Company’s Director of Winemaking Chrissy Wittmann and her winemaking team, these new wines are sourced from the brand’s network of grape growers in Napa Valley. Wittmann blends interesting varietals to develop a unique palate for the Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, which echo the bold character of The Prisoner Red Blend. The Prisoner trio is crafted for those who think, create and drink differently.
“Loyal fans of The Prisoner Wine Company will recognize the disruptive style of these new wines, which blend varietals from Napa Valley’s premier vineyards to achieve distinct character,” shares Wittmann. “Blending new wines to stand alongside our namesake Red Blend has been an exciting new adventure for our winemaking team, and we’re pleased to finally share The Prisoner trio of wines with fans of the brand and new drinkers alike.”
The Prisoner Wine Company is anchored by its iconic The Prisoner Red Blend, and the new additions will encourage consumers to explore the brand’s full portfolio beyond its crown jewel. Honoring The Prisoner’s signature artistically driven label imagery, the new wines are adorned with variations of The Prisoner’s Francisco de Goya “Le Petit Prisonier” etching. In the tradition of the Red Blend’s original, each new version takes on a different hue – blue (Cabernet Sauvignon) and green (Chardonnay) – with each label image seen from a slightly different angle.
“These new wines offer consumers the quality and irreverent taste they love about The Prisoner and allow us to meet the brand’s increasing consumer demand, which continues to grow year-over-year,” says Elisabeth Baron, Vice President, Marketing for The Prisoner Wine Company. She adds, “The Prisoner has long dominated the luxury red blend category and we anticipate that The Prisoner Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay will attract new consumers and play an integral role in the brand’s long-term growth.”
Each wine in the trio boasts a rich, complex flavor profile:
• The Prisoner Red Blend 2019 (SRP $49): The Prisoner incorporates Zinfandel with an unlikely mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Charbono. This full-bodied fan-favorite has enticing aromas of Bing cherry, espresso and roasted fig. Persistent flavors of ripe raspberry, boysenberry, pomegranate and vanilla linger harmoniously for a smooth and luscious finish.
• The Prisoner Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (SRP $54.99): This Cabernet Sauvignon has concentrated dark fruit flavors, culminating in a lush, full mouthfeel before a lengthy finish. On the nose, aromas of black cherry and ripe plum are layered with vanilla and baking spice. This Cabernet Sauvignon-based wine is blended with small amounts of Merlot, Syrah, Malbec, Petite Sirah and Charbono.
• The Prisoner Chardonnay 2019 (SRP $39.99): An intriguing blend of Chardonnay, Roussanne and Gewürztraminer, this wine is bursting with aromas of vanilla, crème brûlée and baked apple. Full-bodied and rich on the palate, flavors of pineapple and toasted oak integrate with the balanced acidity and a smooth finish.
The Prisoner Red Blend, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay join a robust nationally distributed brand portfolio, which includes Saldo, a Zinfandel-dominant blend, and Eternally Silenced, a California Pinot Noir, as well as an array of winery-only bottlings. The Prisoner trio is now available for purchase in-store and online. For more information, visit https://theprisonerwinecompany.com/.
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About The Prisoner Wine Company: When The Prisoner was released two decades ago as a complex blend of some of California’s best and most unusual grape varieties, it swiftly and permanently changed the American perception of what a red blend wine could be. The Prisoner Wine Company grew to include a range of rule-bending blends with provocative label designs, and the portfolio has been recognized by consumers and critics alike as one of the most innovative wine brands in the market, leading the resurgence of California luxury red blends and earning “cult” wine status. Today, Director of Winemaking Chrissy Wittmann and her team work with over 100 growers in northern California, bringing together exceptional fruit to produce a family of bold and intriguing wines. In 2020, The Prisoner Wine Company launched a new, luxury wine brand called Unshackled, comprised of three California-appellated wines including a Rosé (SRP $27), Red Blend (SRP $30) and Cabernet Sauvignon (SRP $30). The Prisoner Wine Company is located on Highway 29 in Napa Valley and welcomes visitors year-round for unexpected, immersive experiences.
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