19 Crimes Snoop Dogg Cali Red 2021
Full-bodied red blend. It is designed in a modern, international style that prioritizes fruit ripeness, soft tannins, and a hint of residual sugar for immediate consumer appeal. · Treasury Wine Estates (TWE). This mass-market powerhouse owns luxury brands like Penfolds, but 19 Crimes is their lifestyle/commercial leader. This specific label is a collaboration with entertainment icon Snoop Dogg, blending pop culture with approachable viticulture.
Vintage: 2021. A year marked by drought conditions in California which led to smaller berry sizes and naturally high concentration and ripeness, ideal for the bold, accessible style of this brand.
Type
Full-bodied red blend. It is designed in a modern, international style that prioritizes fruit ripeness, soft tannins, and a hint of residual sugar for immediate consumer appeal.
Producer
Treasury Wine Estates (TWE). This mass-market powerhouse owns luxury brands like Penfolds, but 19 Crimes is their lifestyle/commercial leader. This specific label is a collaboration with entertainment icon Snoop Dogg, blending pop culture with approachable viticulture.
Country
United States. The US is a global leader in New World wine production, with California producing roughly 80% of the nation's wine, known for fruit-forward profiles and technical innovation.
Vintage
2021. A year marked by drought conditions in California which led to smaller berry sizes and naturally high concentration and ripeness, ideal for the bold, accessible style of this brand.
Region & Appellation
California, USA. As a 'California' appellation wine, it is a multi-regional blend sourcing grapes from various inland valleys, allowing for high-volume consistency rather than site-specific terroir expression.
Grape Varieties
A blend primarily consisting of Petite Sirah (approx. 65%), Zinfandel (30%), and a splash of Merlot (5%). Petite Sirah provides the deep color and structure, while Zinfandel adds jammy dark fruit and spice.
Color & Appearance
Deep, opaque purple-ruby with a dense core. The appearance shows high extraction and significant viscosity (thick legs), suggesting a high-alcohol, concentrated style.
Aroma Profile
Intense and fruit-dominant aromas of ripe blackberries, black cherries, and blueberry jam, complemented by sweet secondary notes of vanilla, toasted oak, chocolate, and a hint of smoke.
Tasting Notes
The palate is lush and 'big,' hitting with an immediate wave of sweet black fruit. It is smooth with very low perceived bitterness, leading into a finish of mocha and sweet spice that lingers briefly.
Flavor Profile
Explosive flavors of candied dark berries, licorice, and pomegranate balsamic. Significant oak influence provides flavors of vanilla bean, cocoa powder, and toasted marshmallow.
Body & Texture
Full-bodied and velvety. The mouthfeel is creamy and rich, almost 'chewy' due to purposeful residual sugar and high glycerin, masking any structural edges.
Acidity & Tannins
Low to medium-low acidity provides a soft, round palate. Tannins are very fine-grained and supple, having been managed to ensure there is no drying astringency or harshness.
Sweetness Level
Off-dry. While marketed as a dry red, it contains enough residual sugar (often 10-12 g/L) to enhance the perception of fruitiness and provide a smooth, accessible finish.
Alcohol Content
13.5% to 14.1% ABV. The alcohol is well-integrated into the heavy body, though it provides a slight warmth on the finish consistent with warm-climate California reds.
Aging & Oak
Aged in American oak (often including some toasted staves) to impart the characteristic vanilla and coconut notes that define the brand's flavor profile.
Food Pairings
Best paired with bold, smoky flavors like BBQ glazed ribs, brisket, bacon-wrapped dates, or hard cheeses like aged cheddar. It also excels with 'comfort food' like pepperoni pizza or burgers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slightly cool at 60-65°F (16-18°C) in a large Cabernet glass. No decanting is necessary as the wine is built for immediate consumption.
Price Range
$12 - $15 USD. It represents an entry-level premium category, offering high brand value and consistent quality for its price point. It is widely available at retailers like Total Wine and BevMo.
Quality Assessment
84-87 points. This is a commercial-style 'lifestyle' wine. It ranks high for consumer satisfaction and consistency but is not intended for the complexity or longevity of fine-wine critics.
Production Methods
Industrial-scale precision winemaking. Techniques include temperature-controlled fermentation and the use of oak chips or staves to achieve a specific flavor profile rapidly and consistently.
Terroir
Minimal terroir expression due to the multi-regional sourcing across California's Central Valley. The character is driven by the grape varietals and winemaking choices rather than the soil.
History & Heritage
19 Crimes was launched in 2012 by TWE, inspired by the 19 crimes that turned British convicts into Australian colonists. The Snoop Dogg partnership in 2020 marked their first foray into California-label wines.
Interesting Facts
The label features 'Living Wine Label' Augmented Reality technology; scanning Snoop's face with the 19 Crimes app makes him speak to the consumer. He is the first celebrity 'convict' on the bottle.
Cellaring Potential
Drink now. This wine is not designed for aging and will not improve with cellaring. It is at its peak upon release and should be consumed within 2-3 years of the vintage date.
Similar Wines
The Prisoner Red Blend, Apothic Red, Menage a Trois Silk, and Michael David Earthquake Zinfandel. These share the hallmarks of bold fruit and approachable textures.