We’ve often speculated what a Chardonnay made by the creators of The Prisoner Wine Company might taste like. We knew it would be ‘big,’ because what Prisoner wine isn’t simply packed with flavor? But, as it turns out, it is also pretty damned good! The fruit for this ‘Chardonnay for Chardonnay lovers’ hails from the Oak Knoll District between Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail and the Napa side of Los Carneros- both very good sources for sure- but the secret ingredient here that lends the wine its sense of mystery and, dare I say, intrigue, is the soupcon of floral Viognier and Gewurztraminer in the blend. This latter aromatic grapes marries nicely with the tropicality of the Carneros Chardonnay, adding a bit of mid-palate texture and definitely perking up the acidity. It’s an inspired addition that takes from being just another Napa Valley Chardonnay to something both hedonistically satisfying and interesting. A fruit basket’s worth of apples, pears and ripe pineapple are given pop with hints of fresh vanilla, lemon crème brulee and a broad hint of clove-y spice. It’s full-throttle for sure, (would you expect us ever to use the word ‘Burgundian’ in association with a Prisoner wine?) but also fresh and very well balanced. Who knew???? We’ve got some Brave New World pricing that makes it easy to toss a case into the larder and drink it all summer long!