Unshackled 2021 Pinot Noir by The Prisoner Wine Company

This 2021 Unshackled Pinot Noir offers an enticing blend of bold fruit and elegant structure—rich cherries and rhubarb aromas pave the way for dried cranberry, black spice and vanilla notes on the palate. It’s approachable yet confident, perfect for both immediate enjoyment and short-term aging.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Produced in California by The Prisoner Wine Company, the Unshackled series captures vibrant varietals with accessible pricing and quality sourcing. The 2021 Pinot Noir is crafted from carefully selected vineyard sites along the Central Coast, where cool nights and warm days help preserve elegance in the fruit. The wine is vinified with attention to detail: the grapes are gently handled, fermented in small lots, and aged in a combination of French oak (a portion new) to lend nuance without obscuring varietal clarity.

Tasting Profile

Nose: Waves of rhubarb stalk, tart dark cherry and fresh herbs (sage or thyme) open confidently. Underneath lies stewed raspberry and a faint hint of forest floor.
Palate: Lively and mid-bodied. Dried cranberry and ripe cherry flavors lead, followed by black pepper spice, vanilla bean and a subtle toast from oak. The fruit remains clean and pure, while the structure provides balance and lift.
Finish: Smooth and persistent, with lingering cherry pit bitterness, a hint of black spice, and faint herbal-leaf echoes. The tannins are soft but present, giving the wine shape without drying it out.

Quick Overview