19 Crimes 2020

 Aside from celebrity likeness on the already irreverend labeling and clouded glass, I thought it time I finally gave these a whirl... or a swirl as it were.

2020 Martha's Chard

The color would indicate this has seen some manner of oak. It smells like Chardonnay, so that's a good start! I almost have come to expect just a buttery almost sugary meringue nose on Chardonnay wines in this tier.

Warm, ripe stone fruits along with apple and pear on the nose with some hints of sea air and vanilla.

On the palate, the oaky notes are much more present with flavors of toasted vanilla, hazelnut and creme brulee. Following that entry, it has a creamy texture on the palate without feeling heavy and shows some nice acidity. The flavors of golden apple, Bartlett pear and white peach are luscious indicating a warmer growing zone or riper pick. There is some bright lemon zest to keep it lively and from feeling too weighty. 

All in all, it's a pleasant, well composed wine. At this price point, you're not getting nor should you expect some ethereal, long and contemplative wine. It's tasty, balanced and very drinkable.

2020 Cali Red

Highly expressive nose on this wine. Toasty wood and heaps of fresh berry fruit. As powerful as the aromas jump out of the glass, they're not overly layered or complex. Oak that implies a heavier toast on the staves with aromas of espresso grounds, cedar dust, hints of pencil shavings and black berry and plum skins. 

It enters the palate with some subtlety then once it hits the midpalate the intensity of the oak takes over. It has flavors of red and black currant with black plum and Luxardo cherry. It has some acidity to balance the powerful oak, but not in harmony. It seemd a touch disJOINTed (no offense Snoop) in it's balance with the acid and oak some distance from each other. This creates some perceived "heat" on the palate for me, though the alcohol is labeled at 14.1%. 

The fruit on this wine is nice, but for my taste, it's just got too much aggression in the oak profile. It is a youthful wine so that may relax with some time, however I don't see many folks laying this wine down to age for 5-7 years. That said, at a BBQ or cookout with a range of salty, fatty foods, it should treat you just fine.