19 Crimes -2013 Red Blend

October will find us previewing some special wines, selected for various, "Gee, these would be great to sip in October" reasons! Today, a friend suggested we try 19 Crimes, an Australian red blend. Before we even get to the review, let's talk about this wine and cool picture on the bottle. How often do you get to learn something of historical significance while enjoying a lush red wine?

From the bottle, we learn..."NINETEEN CRIMES turned criminals into colonists. Upon conviction, British rogues guilty of those crimes were sentenced to Australia rather than death. This punishment by “transportation” began in 1788, and many of the lawless died at sea. The roughhewn prisoners who reached Australia lived in servitude under the lash. Pioneers in a frontier penal colony, they forged a new country, and new lives, brick by brick." Wow - and our crime (shown on the cork pictured...#3, is Buying or Receiving Stolen Goods, Jewels or Plate.

Now, for our thoughts...

Oak smoked cherries on the nose, and a beautiful deep red color in the glass. At first sip, it is sweet and fruit-forward, with vanilla and cherry notes, maybe a hint of cocoa too. Then it finishes with a woodsy feel and tannins dancing on the tongue. You could serve this with a big ole steak and feel good about it! Mmmm...steak....

Stay tuned for more cool wines coming in October!