19 Crimes Wines was created as a “rebellious” alternative to snobby wine brands by offering outstanding quality wines at affordable prices. Riding the wave of growing interest in Australian wines, 19 Crimes took the unusual step of highlighting the truth of Australia’s birth – as a penal colony for England’s brigands and outlaws. In 1797, a conviction for one of 19 serious crimes could result in exile to the island continent – if they survived the long ship ride. The brand “celebrated” those early “colonists” by creating labels featuring some of the more infamous criminals, all men, with one for each wine style and varietal produced.

Initially, the wines were all reds – big, bold, and, as 19 Crimes described them, “rebellious” wines that were both excellent and affordable. A general clamor for a white wine resulted in the release of a big and heavy chardonnay featuring a label with the brand’s first female. Then, in a truly bold move, 19 Crimes released a Califonia red with the likeness of their first modern-day criminal, Snoop Dog Red. It was wildly successful, so the brand released another, possibly even bolder wien – a chardonnay with the image of Martha Stewart!

This is where I step in. I was grocery shopping, and the store (Safeway, in Arizona) was having a sale, which included the Martha Stewart Chardonnay, for (wait for it)… $5.00! At a retail price of $15.99, I couldn’t resist, so we bought six bottles (and received an additional 10% off)! When I purchased the wine, I assumed I would NOT be writing about the wine because our readership is typically NOT a “bargain price” driven interest group. However, the wine was so good that I couldn’t resist. So here it is!

The wine is pleasantly pale in the glass, so it likely did not spend significant time on the lies, which is also born out in the flavor profile. Eschewing the typical California big, bold, and buttery style, the wine leans heavily into soft and forward fruit characteristics. The nose offers notes of pear, lychee, apple, and, to a lesser degree, tropical fruits backed by hints of oak, toast, and, way in the back, flinty minerals.

The mouthfeel is delicate, with a near-perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Served cold, the wine’s acidity is more noticeable, but as it warms (I prefer it at room temp), it becomes slightly rounder and fruitier. Initial flavors of apple and pear give way to the more tropical fruits – pineapple, mango, and dragonfruit. Mid-swallow releases notes of oak, honeysuckle, and kiwi, leading to a finish showing a greater impact of the wood. The wine’s afterglow is sweeter than the initial impact, with lingering notes of toast, baked pears, wet rock, and a hint of savory spice.

I’m typically not a food-and-wine guy, but it would pair exceptionally well with dry cheeses, roasted chicken, and any type of mild white fish. It would also complement Asian cooking or white-sauced pasta. All, 19 Crimes’ Martha Stewart Chardonnay is a fine wine ideal as an aperitif, a pool party, or a night out on the town. If you prefer big, heavy, and buttery chardonnay, this is likely not for you. But if you prefer a lighter and more fruit-forward chardonnay, you will likely love it! And, if you want a real hoot, visit the brand’s website and follow the link to scan the wine’s label (hint: the label image comes alive, and Martha talks to you)!