This Costco and Trader Joe's pick, the 19 Crimes Red Blend, is guilty of good taste.
A blend of Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache from South Eastern Australia. The wine is aged in 100% American oak and has 12.0 g/L of residual sugar.
The 19 Crimes Red Blend is available at Trader Joe's, Costco and elsewhere for as low as $7. Imported by Treasury Wine Estates.
From the bottle:
Nineteen Crimes turned criminals into colonists. Upon conviction, British rogues, guilty of at least one of the 19 crimes, were sentenced to live in Australia, rather than death. This punishment by "transportation" began in 1788, and many of the lawless died at sea. For the rough-hewn prisoners who made it to shore, a new world awaited.
As pioneers in a frontier penal colony, they forged a new country and new lives, brick by brick. This wine celebrates the rules they broke and the culture they built.
13.5% Alcohol
Let's say this right off the bat - if sweeter red wines aren't your thing this probably isn't your wine. Even so it's hard not to be impressed by the fantastic marketing, with each label harboring a photo of an actual convicted criminal and each cork labeled with one of the 19 crimes that could get you sent to Australia. (Download their app and scan the bottle and you'll get even more!) It's almost like getting a little history lesson with each bottle. And if you do like sweet and oaky reds you'll find a lot to like inside the bottle as well!
The nose of the 2016 19 Crimes Red Blend is loaded with jammy, ripe, sweet berry notes laced with chocolate and vanilla. There's no mistaking what you're in for when sniffing and swirling this one. Taking a sip reveals pretty much just what you would expect - tons more jammy, juicy, almost syrupy dark berry fruit with plenty of oak manipulation. It's darn tasty though and doesn't come off as forced. A soft, round mouthfeel leads into the lasting finish which features more vanilla and chocolate along with lingering sweet blackberry notes. It's not going to win any awards but it delivers just what its consumers want.
Looking for more of the best wines from Trader Joe's? Click the pic below to check our giant listing along with tips and tricks for shopping the store!
