We Review Blindfold Chardonnay and Cuttings Cabernet Sauvignon

The Prisoner Wine Company (TPWC) is a 20-year-old cult favourite winery from the Napa Valley, California. They’ve gained their massive popularity through breaking the traditional winemaking moulds of the Californian region by growing and blending unique grape varietals from 100s of different family-owned vineyards. The entire range is impressive and hugely varied. Our picks are the 2015 Blindfold Chardonnay blend and Cuttings Cabernet Sauvignon.

Napa Valley, California Wine Growing

The world-famous Napa Valley wine region in California has been producing America’s most loved wines since the 19^th century(*1). The wine-making region is made up of 95%(*2) family-owned and operated vineyards.

Of the dozens of wines made in the region the three most renowned are(*3):

1. Cabernet.
2. Chardonnay.
3. Merlot.

The Prisoner Wine Company’s Haunting History

The mysterious name of the winery was inspired by Francisco Goya’s artwork, ‘Le Petit Prisoner’(*4). This piece, from the ‘Disasters of War’ series visually protested the barbaric acts committed by humans during war. The enigmatic company name and wine labels continue this tradition, drawing attention to inequalities and injustices of the modern-day world(*4).

Re-Imagined Wines from The Prisoner Wine Company

Described as quirky and unconventional, TPWC’s wines are(*5):

• Bold.
• Fruit-forward.
• Textured and velvety.
• Suitable for drinking at a young age.

TPWC has been producing a diverse collection of vintages, limited editions, and classics since 2000. Their blends are unconventional, indulgent, and distinct. They source their fruits from about 100 small family-owned vineyards throughout the Napa Valley and California.

2015’s Blindfold and Cuttings

With such a diverse and impressive range, we narrowed our picks down to two – Blindfold(*6) and Cuttings(*7).

2015 Blindfold

This intriguing, complex Chardonnay blend has a classic Chardonnay base. Aromatic varietals, butterscotch and juicy citrus awaken the senses, making it quite a unique wine(*5,6).

Blend: Chardonnay, Viognier, Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Marsanne.
Aroma: Lychee, vanilla, citrus, and peach tart.
Palate: Refreshing and long-lasting with a luscious texture that lines the mouth.

2015 Cuttings

A big, bold, and rich red wine perfect for those who like a dry red with a hearty meal. The intensity, structure and layers of complexity and flavour in this wine are impressive(*5,7,8).

Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Syrah and a drop of Zinfandel.
Aroma: Fresh roasted coffee and fruits such as black currant and wild berries. A little spicy with vanilla bean and brown spice.
Palate: Smooth and luscious. The berry flavours evolve into blueberry and dark cherry with cocoa and coffee.

Dive into The Prisoner Wine Company range and try and find your favourite! There are quite a few different wines to choose from across the TPWC range.

Get Your Bottles of The Prisoner Wine Company

Buy your bottles of TPWC from our online store or come into our Summer Hill shop. In addition to Blindfold and Cuttings, we also stock their Saldo Zinfandel and the original Prisoner red. Explore the entire Napa Valley wine region from the comfort of your home and get your bottles delivered.

Looking for a new wine to try? Our team can share their knowledge on 1000s of wines we stock to help you decide on a few to try this weekend. We look forward to meeting you!

References

*1. California Genealogy and History Archives. Napa County History. 2020.
*2. Visit Napa Valley. Napa Valley Wine and Wineries. 2020

*3. Wine Country Media. Napa Valley Wineries. 2020.
*4. The Prisoner Wine Company. Home. 2020.
*5. Summer Hill Wine Shop. The prisoner Wine Company - Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon California. Blindfold Chardonnay Blend. 
YouTube video. 2020.
*6. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2015 The Prisoner Wine Company Blindfold White Wine California. 2020.
*7. Summer Hill Wine Shop. 2015 The Prisoner Wine Company Cuttings Cabernet Sauvignon California. 2020.
*8. Clemens, G. The Prisoner Wine Company Cuttings Cabernet Sauvignon 2015. Gus Clemens on Wine. 2018.