19 Crimes Cabernet Sauvignon

19 Crimes Cabernet Sauvignon is a fruit-forward South Australian Cabernet Sauvignon bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced by Treasury Wine Estates, the label is instantly recognizable for its historical convict mugshot imagery and pioneering use of augmented reality packaging — the first wine brand to integrate AR technology into its labels, allowing each convict's story to be told through a smartphone app.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: South Australia, Australia  |  Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon  |  Producer: Treasury Wine Estates  |  Oak Aged: Up to 18 months

Production & Heritage

Treasury Wine Estates, one of the world's largest wine companies headquartered in Melbourne, produces 19 Crimes from vineyards across South Australia. The Cabernet Sauvignon undergoes oak barrel aging for up to 18 months, building structure and layering vanilla and spice notes into the fruit-driven core. The brand itself draws from the true stories of men and women convicted of one of 19 specific crimes in 18th- and 19th-century Britain and transported to the Australian penal colonies — a narrative thread woven into every bottle through its distinctive mugshot labels.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe cassis and dark berry fruit lead the nose, followed by waves of vanilla, licorice, and dried herbs. Subtle violet and mulberry notes emerge as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The palate entry is juicy and direct, with punchy red currant and blackcurrant flavors dominating the front. Mid-palate, dark cherry and mocha tones build weight, while vanilla sweetness from the oak aging adds a soft, rounded quality. The fruit stays big and accessible throughout.

Finish: A medium-length finish carries spice and lingering cassis, with a hint of caramel and sweet oak trailing off. The tannins are soft and approachable rather than grippy, keeping the overall impression smooth.

How to Drink 19 Crimes Cabernet

This is a straightforward, fruit-forward red best served at cellar temperature — around 60–65°F — in a standard Bordeaux glass. It drinks well on its own but also stands up in simple wine cocktails. A Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) works here because the bold fruit holds its own against the sweetness. A classic red wine Sangria benefits from the cassis and berry intensity. For a winter option, a Mulled Wine preparation pairs naturally with the existing vanilla and spice character already present in the glass.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners with grilled or roasted red meats
• Introducing someone to Australian Cabernet Sauvignon
• Casual backyard barbecues where accessibility matters more than complexity
• A conversation-starting gift thanks to the augmented reality label technology

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 19 Crimes Cabernet taste like? It delivers bold, ripe flavors of blackcurrant, dark cherry, and red currant fruit, supported by vanilla sweetness and subtle mocha notes from up to 18 months of oak barrel aging. The tannins are soft and the finish carries a pleasant spice.

How does 19 Crimes Cabernet compare to Bogle Cabernet Sauvignon? Both sit in a similar value-driven tier and emphasize ripe, fruit-forward Cabernet character with noticeable oak influence. 19 Crimes tends to lean slightly softer in tannin structure with more pronounced vanilla sweetness, while Bogle Cabernet often shows a touch more earthy depth from its Lodi, California terroir.

Is 19 Crimes Cabernet good for beginners? Yes — its approachable tannins, prominent fruit sweetness, and smooth oak character make it an easy entry point for wine drinkers exploring Cabernet Sauvignon for the first time.

Where is 19 Crimes Cabernet made? It is produced by Treasury Wine Estates using fruit sourced from South Australia, one of the country's most prolific and well-regarded wine-producing regions.

What foods pair well with 19 Crimes Cabernet? Grilled beef burgers match the bold fruit weight; slow-cooked lamb shanks echo the wine's spice and dark berry notes; aged cheddar complements the vanilla oak; barbecue ribs with smoky sauce mirror the mocha undertones; and a simple margherita pizza provides an easy, crowd-pleasing pairing.

What sizes does 19 Crimes Cabernet come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, and it is also commonly available in a 1.5L magnum format.

Is 19 Crimes Cabernet worth the price? It positions squarely as an entry-level, everyday drinking Cabernet Sauvignon, delivering reliable fruit concentration and smooth oak character that over-delivers for its value tier.

Why 19 Crimes Cabernet?

What separates this bottle from the crowded field of value Australian reds is the combination of genuine drinkability and a brand concept rooted in real history rather than generic vineyard romance. The up-to-18-month oak aging program gives it more structure than many wines at this price point, and the fruit sourcing from South Australia provides a warm-climate ripeness that keeps the flavors generous and accessible. The augmented reality label — a genuine technological first in the wine industry — adds a layer of engagement that resonates well beyond the liquid inside. For anyone looking for a dependable, fruit-driven Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers honest flavor without pretension, 19 Crimes remains one of the most recognizable and consistently satisfying options in the category.