2020 19 Crimes Cali Red

This velvety red blend drinks like a zinfandel with notes of spice, oaky vanilla, and blackberry.

California| 14.1% ABV | $12.99

Tasting Notes

Snoop Dogg graces the label as the face of this bold red blend. The 19 Crimes blend is known for “living label” concept where a gang of historical rule breakers tell their stories of innovation. As of today, they have 11 wines and this was the only one they had at my local Trader Joe’s.

This wine is a dark plum color with a bit of red-purple around the rim with good legs. On the nose, I first pick up that it’s going to have some baking spice and black fruits.

It is well-balanced and full-bodied with noticeable oak right out of the gates. Because it is very jammy, I thought it was mainly zinfandel but the site says it is also Petit Syrah. Fruits notes are blackberry with a vanilla caramel, then transitions into a baked blueberry with some mild spices. It’s a long finish with an oaky sweetness that is quite enjoyable.

This is a mid-range price for a Trader Joe’s wine, but I would definitely buy it again.

On the Palate…