
Nearly three decades ago PWC launched its landmark wine with a ground-breaking blend of Zinfandel with Cabernet Sauvignon and a stirring work of art on the label – Spanish artist Francesco Goya’s sketch “The Little Prisoner” (1807) which depicts the despair and suffering of a shackled inmate. Francesco Goya’s famous sketch (“Le Petit Prisonier”) inspired the eye-catching label on The Prisoner Red Blend.įor sure, one of America’s most popular and recognizable California blends is “The Prisoner”. Some say it’s the winery’s marketing genius which combines creative brand names with provocative label art.

OK, so how does the Prisoner Wine Company continue turn out wines with magnetic appeal? If Forrest Gump (“Life is like a box of chocolates …”) drank wine, he’d probably stock a shelf with Saldo Zinfandel!
PRISONER WINE FULL
The entry is rich, full and scintillating, and the palate is mouthwatering and smooth with a hint of dark chocolate.” “This dark ruby wine emits bold aromas of black licorice, black peppery cherry and baking spice.

The winemaker’s notes make it very enticing to take a holiday romp to the wine shop: I have yet to sample Saldo Zinfandel, which adds a touch of Petite Sirah and Syrah to the mix, and may do so sooner than later. Its strong core also makes it a good match for barbeque ribs drenched in spicy sauces. Saldo is definitely a game companion for juicy sirloin steaks and filets, prime rib roasts, venison, and thick pork and veal chops. Most impressive, however, is that it exhibits harmonious balance for a wine that hits a 15.1 percent alcohol mark per 750 ml bottle. I sampled a bottle recently and the red blend of Petite Syrah, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel is power packed with dark fruit flavor. I can attest to Saldo “blue’s” fine structure and quality.

No matter the translation, Saldo makes a statement for “precision craftsmanship,” according to Chrissy Wittmann, PWC’s Director of Winemaker, who is joined in this venture by lead winemaker Todd Ricard. In Italian, Saldo means “I weld.” In Latin, it means “here and there.” Chrissy Wittmann, Director of Winemaking at The Prisoner Wine Company. (For the best online deal, the Saratoga Wine Exchange (is selling Saldo Red Blend for $24.90 a bottle.) Saldo hit the market in late September with two California red wines – a Saldo Zinfandel (red label) and a Saldo Red Blend (blue label) – and now they’re here for the holidays and beyond.īoth retail for $32 a bottle from the winery, but Zin lovers can get a deal at New Hampshire State outlets for $26.99 through the holidays. It’s created a new wine brand – Saldo – and all I can say is “Salute”! The Prisoner Wine Company (PWC) of Napa Valley has done it again. Saldo is a new red blend from The Prisoner Wine Co.
