Blindfold Blanc de Noir, The Prisoner Wine Company 2021 75cl
Blanc de Noir means "white of black" — white wine made from red grapes — and Blindfold is The Prisoner Wine Company's clever inversion of their own reputation. This is the pale, elegant twin to the dark, brooding reds that made the brand's name, built mostly from Pinot Noir pressed straight to juice.
The Prisoner work out of Napa Valley, and Blindfold takes largely Pinot Noir with small additions of Viognier and Gewürztraminer. The reds are handled by direct-to-press processing, carefully monitored so almost no colour bleeds across — the finished wine carries only the faintest salmon tint. The aromatic white grapes are folded in to add texture and a fuller mouthfeel.
The result is delicate but lively. The nose is a mix of fruit and flowers — green apple, pear and citrus alongside white peach and floral accents. The palate stays bright and zesty, with orchard fruit, a hint of honey, a touch of toasted almond and a tart flick of cranberry keeping it fresh. Elegant and easy-going, with just enough of the Viognier and Gewürz aromatics to make it interesting.
This is a crowd-pleaser with a talking point built in — the sort of bottle that starts a conversation about how it is even possible. At around £40 you are paying partly for the brand and the novelty, but it is a genuinely well-made, food-friendly white that delivers on the intrigue.
How to Serve
Serve chilled, 8–10°C, in a white-wine glass. No decanting needed. Drink it while it is young and fresh.
Where to Drink It
The Wolseley for an aperitif with a story. J Sheekey for the shellfish. Dandy on Maltby Street for something a little different.
Food Pairings
Made for chilled oysters or a whole roasted white fish. It also flatters cream-based sauces and sautéed mushrooms, where its gentle texture comes into its own.
