The Prisoner Wine Co. - Saldo 2022

Introduction

This red wine originates from the United States, primarily sourced from premier vineyards across California’s renowned Zinfandel regions, including Dry Creek Valley, Lodi, and the Sierra Foothills. The Prisoner Wine Co. was founded two decades ago by winemaker Dave Phinney and is currently owned by Constellation Brands. The winemaking philosophy is rooted in a collaborative approach, where a team led by Director of Winemaking Chrissy Wittmann partners with more than 100 growers to source exceptional fruit unrestricted by traditional regional boundaries. The name 'Saldo' is derived from the Italian word meaning 'I join or I weld', reflecting the winery's technique of welding together grapes from diverse, high-quality sites to create a singular, cohesive expression.

Wine Description

The Prisoner Wine Co. 'Saldo' displays a deep dark ruby colour. The nose is bold and expressive, offering intense aromas of black licorice, black pepper, cherry, and warm baking spices. On the palate, the wine is rich, mouthwatering, and full-bodied, featuring smooth flavours of dark cherry and chocolate integrated with soft, velvety tannins. It is characterized by its opulent texture and a voluptuous, lingering finish. The varietal composition is predominantly Zinfandel, typically blended with Petite Sirah and Syrah to add depth, color, and structural complexity. The ABV is typically 15% to 15.5%. While the winery sources from some certified organic sites, such as Grist Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley, the 'Saldo' California blend itself is not certified organic. The optimal drinking window is generally within 3 to 5 years of the vintage to enjoy its vibrant fruit-forward character.