19 Crimes Shiraz

19 Crimes Shiraz is a full-bodied South Eastern Australian red wine made from 100% Shiraz grapes, bottled at 13.5% ABV in a 750ml format. Part of the convict-themed range launched in 2012 by Treasury Wine Estates, this expression has earned recognition from The Real Review's Huon Hooke at 86 points and consistently ranks among the most popular value Shiraz bottlings in the Australian wine market.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: South Eastern Australia  |  Varietal: 100% Shiraz  |  Producer: Treasury Wine Estates (est. 2012 as brand)

Production & Heritage

Treasury Wine Estates created the 19 Crimes brand in 2012, drawing on Australia's colonial convict history for its identity. Sourced from vineyards across South Eastern Australia — a broad appellation that allows blending across multiple sub-regions for consistent vintage-to-vintage character — the Shiraz undergoes oak aging that contributes the pronounced vanilla and spice notes the wine is known for. Each bottle carries the photograph of a real historical convict who was transported to Australia, and the corks are printed with one of the 19 actual crimes that could earn a sentence of transportation — a detail that has made the packaging as talked-about as the wine itself.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Vanilla leads the nose, intense and immediate, followed by layers of ripe raspberry, dark plum, and a thread of baking spice. The aromatics are bold and fruit-forward, with subtle oak sweetness underneath.

Taste: The entry is full and round, with a subtle sweetness that gives the mid-palate a rich, plush texture. Ripe plum and blackberry dominate, joined by dark chocolate and raspberry as the wine develops across the palate. Soft, integrated tannins frame the fruit without adding harshness.

Finish: Smooth and lingering, with vanilla and oak spice carrying through from the palate. Plush tannins persist alongside a gentle peppery warmth that fades gradually.

How to Drink 19 Crimes Shiraz

This Shiraz drinks well at a slight chill — around 16–18°C (60–65°F) — which keeps the fruit bright and prevents the alcohol from overwhelming the palate. It works equally well poured straight into a glass or with a few minutes of air in a decanter.

In cocktails, 19 Crimes Shiraz suits a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola), where the vanilla and dark fruit amplify the drink's sweetness. It also works in a classic Sangria, contributing bold berry and plum flavors that hold up against citrus and brandy. For a simpler serve, a Red Wine Spritzer with sparkling water and a squeeze of orange lightens the body while preserving the fruit character.

Best For

• Weeknight dinner pairing with grilled red meats or hearty pasta
• Introducing someone to Australian Shiraz without a premium price commitment
• Casual gatherings or barbecues where approachable, crowd-pleasing red wine is needed
• Gifting to wine drinkers who appreciate packaging with a story and historical detail

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 19 Crimes Shiraz taste like? It delivers bold, ripe plum and blackberry flavors layered with vanilla, dark chocolate, and a touch of pepper. The mouthfeel is full and round with plush tannins and a smooth, lingering finish.

How does 19 Crimes Shiraz compare to The Prisoner Red Blend? Both wines lean into an outlaw-themed brand identity and offer rich, fruit-driven profiles, but The Prisoner is a California red blend positioned at a significantly higher price tier. 19 Crimes Shiraz is a single-varietal Australian wine that delivers comparable boldness at a fraction of the cost, making it a strong value alternative.

Is 19 Crimes Shiraz good for beginners? Yes — the approachable fruit sweetness, soft tannins, and smooth finish make it an accessible entry point for drinkers new to full-bodied red wine. The bold vanilla and berry flavors are easy to identify and enjoy without a steep learning curve.

Where is 19 Crimes Shiraz made? It is produced by Treasury Wine Estates using Shiraz grapes sourced from vineyards across South Eastern Australia, a broad Geographic Indication that spans parts of New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. The brand was launched in 2012 and is headquartered within Treasury Wine Estates' Australian operations.

What foods pair well with 19 Crimes Shiraz? Grilled lamb chops work well, as the char complements the wine's smoky oak and pepper notes. BBQ ribs match the vanilla sweetness, while aged cheddar echoes the richness of the fruit. Dark chocolate desserts mirror the wine's cocoa undertones, and mushroom risotto bridges the earthy, savory side of the Shiraz.

What sizes does 19 Crimes Shiraz come in? The standard bottle is 750ml, which is the most widely available format across retail markets.

Is 19 Crimes Shiraz worth the price? 19 Crimes Shiraz positions firmly as a value-tier Australian Shiraz, and Wine-Searcher has flagged it for outstanding quality-to-price ratio. For drinkers seeking a bold, fruit-forward red without a significant spend, it consistently over-delivers relative to its price bracket.

Why 19 Crimes Shiraz?

What separates this bottle from the crowded field of value Australian Shiraz is the combination of genuinely bold flavor and one of the most recognizable packaging concepts in modern wine. The convict portraits and crime-stamped corks are rooted in real Australian history, not marketing invention, giving the brand a storytelling dimension that most competitors at this price simply do not have. Huon Hooke's 86-point score from The Real Review confirms the wine holds its own on merit, not just shelf appeal. For a widely available, everyday Shiraz that delivers ripe dark fruit, vanilla richness, and smooth tannins without pretense, this remains one of the stronger options in its tier.