May Wine Club Newsletter | The Prisoner Wine Company

WINEMAKER NOTES

In the Vineyard

We take great pleasure in observing the transformation of the valley from Spring to Summer and being an integral part of another remarkable growing season. The Mediterranean climate of Napa Valley provided ample rainfall throughout the Winter months, replenishing the soil and setting the stage for a healthy harvest. The vintage officially commenced with bud break in the final week of March in most of Napa Valley. We are currently in bloom, and in the next week we will have a good idea of when we can expect grapes on the crush pad… it's looking good so far.

In the Cellar

At the winery, we are preparing to bottle the last of our 2023 blends. We are finalizing our 2024 blends on the bench, as we prepare to rack and return and blend them in the cellar through the summer. We are excited to present a few surprises this year, just for you – including a special Reserve Red Blend that is part of your May allocation. This is a true exclusive club first access offering.

Join us in raising a glass as we celebrate 25 years of our iconic Red Blend! We are deeply grateful for your continued support and look forward to sharing another 25 years together.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

We are excited to release these new vintages and offerings!

LINE UP 3:

2024 Friction Viognier Oak Knoll Napa Valley x1 bottle
2023 Headlock Charbono x1 bottle
2023 Reserve Red Blend x1 bottle

LINE UP 6:

2024 Friction Viognier Oak Knoll Napa Valley x 2 bottles
2023 Headlock Charbono x 2 bottles
2023 Reserve Red Blend x 2 bottles

FRINGE:

2024 Friction Viognier Oak Knoll Napa Valley x 2 bottles
2023 Headlock Charbono x4 bottles
2023 Reserve Red Blend x 4 bottles
2024 Domaine Curry Sauvignon Blanc x 2 bottles

2024 Friction Viognier Oak Knoll Napa Valley

This new vintage will bill on May 8th and ship on May 20th

To craft our Viognier, we hand-harvest the grapes and deliver whole clusters to the press, holding them overnight for enhanced texture and complexity. After pressing and settling the juice for 24 hours, fermentation begins in a tank at low temperature to retain delicate aromatics. We then transfer the juice to neutral French oak barrels for the remainder of fermentation, polishing the edges and building richness. The wine stays in barrels for five months before racking and bottling, resulting in a balanced and complex Viognier.

The 2024 vintage is exceptional, showcasing nuanced aromas of Meyer lemon, mandarin orange zest, and jasmine flowers. The palate reveals a refined textural minerality, complemented by vibrant citrus notes and subtle hints of limoncello and lychee.

2023 Headlock Charbono Napa Valley

This new vintage will bill on May 8th and ship on May 20th

If you’re looking to be completely blown away by a wine, look no further than Charbono. Usually handpicked toward the end of harvest in mid-October right as tannins start to soften on the vine. The 2023 vintage commenced 3 to 4 weeks behind the previous 10-year average due to heavy rainfall and cold temperatures that lasted into April and May. This led to some anxiety around a late harvest, but we saw a long, mild summer that lasted well into October. In the end, we had amazing flavor development from this longer hang time, as well as beautiful color and phenolics that gave us perfect building blocks to craft perfectly balanced and delicious wines across the board.

Catch notes of dried cherries, cranberries, and pomegranate on the nose with subtle savory hints of roasted meat. These aromas are light and fresh out of the glass filling you with heady anticipation for that first sip. Along the palate, the mouthfeel is soft and balanced, and the finish lingers with hints of toasty vanilla.

2023 The Prisoner Reserve Red Blend

This new offering will bill on May 8th and ship on May 20th

We're celebrating a big anniversary: 25 years since our Red Blend changed American luxury wine. This milestone is not just about looking back but looking ahead. We have some very special new releases this year, and you get first dibs because none of the above would be possible without the lovers of The Prisoner. To you, we owe it all.

To start our celebration with a bang—please enjoy our newest offering: The Prisoner Reserve Red Blend.

We have selected the best lots to showcase the highest expression of our flagship Prisoner Red Blend. This wine aged for 16 months in a mix of French and American oak. We selected 61% new for this wine, tasting through each barrel numerous times before blending. The blend pays homage to the flagship while pushing the Cab up to bring structure and darkness, presenting a broader mouthfeel while staying true to signature softness and flavor profile.

Plush and soft on the entry with a full, dense mid-palate and soft, chewy tannins. Finish for days with hints of cocoa, red fruit, cherry cola, and pipe tobacco.

2024 Domaine Curry Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley

This new offering will bill on May 8th and ship on May 20th

**Fringe Members Only**

Discover balanced, refreshing elegance in Domaine Curry Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc.

This wine presents a vibrant bouquet of orange blossom, guava, and gooseberry, complemented by playful hints of white gummy bear and honeydew melon. On the palate, it offers a refreshing medley of citrus and melon flavors, underscored by mouthwatering acidity and a distinctive minerality. Elevated tropical tones of passionfruit and pineapple add a delightful complexity to this lively and aromatic wine.

SPRING RELEASE PARTY | WINE CLUB EXCLUSIVE

Pizza and wine may just be the ultimate dynamic duo. Together, they are simply irresistible! Join us for an exclusive club member afternoon featuring mouthwatering, artisanally crafted pizza, our groovy house DJ, and the star of the show – the sensational wines from your May release.

Be the first to savor our freshly released spring wines and indulge in an afternoon filled with laughter, old and new friends, and the vibrant sounds of live music.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable celebration—mark your calendars and get ready to sip, savor, and celebrate!

Saturday, May 24th
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM PST

Club member price: Complimentary for members and two guests. Additional guests $35 per person

Wine Club Members: Please log in with the email associated with your membership to book this event.

RSVP