19 Crimes

I'm a sucker for a cool bottle.  I'm an even bigger sucker for a cool story that goes along with a cool bottle.  19 Crimes is such a find.  And, even better, a great red blend.  The men featured on the wine labels are not those of fiction.  They were flesh and blood!  Criminals, artists and scholars.  In history they share the bond of receiving "punishment by transportation" for violation of one of 19 crimes and becoming the first settlers of a new nation. Thousands of people were exiled from England to Australia during the 18th and 19th Century for these crimes. The first ship of mainly petty theifs and political prisoners arrived to serve their time at this far away penal colony.  These criminals went on to found the first settlement, called Sydney, and then later Adelaide.  About the time that Brittain stopped this practice, vines were planted not far from Adelaide in the Barossa Valley.  Knowing the history, the label of the wine makes more sense, referring to the 19 offenses that got people a one way trip Down Under.   (Check it out...19crimes.com)

I purchased this 2014 Red Blend from my local World Market.  Love the aroma of strong vanilla and spice.  Smooth and deep.  We are looking at a beautiful blend of Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Yummy! Under $10 a bottle for this find.  I have to add this to my new favorites list.

Do yourself a favor and try this one out.  I do not think you will be disappointed if you are a lover of red blends.  Sip on!