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.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!