19 Crimes Hard Chardonnay 750ml

19 Crimes Hard Chardonnay offers bold stone fruit flavours including mirabelle plum, supported by toasty oak, butterscotch and warming spice notes. The palate is full and round with a rich, weighty texture that comes from its elevated 16% alcohol content. Expect generous vanilla and butter characteristics from oak influence, finishing with persistent spice notes.

This wine comes from South Eastern Australia, a broad region known for producing approachable, fruit-forward wines. The 19 Crimes brand draws its name from the historical crimes that could result in British convicts being transported to Australian colonies. The Hard Chard expression showcases the region's ability to ripen Chardonnay to high sugar levels, resulting in the wine's distinctive 16% alcohol content.

The wine's full body and richness match beautifully with creamy pasta dishes like fettuccine Alfredo or carbonara. Roast chicken with herb butter sauce complements the oak and vanilla notes, while mature hard cheeses such as aged cheddar or Gruyere can stand up to its intensity. The buttery character also works well with lobster or prawns in rich sauces.

This bold Chardonnay shines alongside richer seafood preparations including pan-seared scallops with brown butter or baked fish in cream sauce. Pork dishes with apple or mustard-based accompaniments pair excellently, as do mushroom-based risottos. The wine's oak and spice notes also complement roasted root vegetables with herbs and butter.

Serve this wine chilled between 8-12 degrees Celsius to balance its richness and allow the fruit aromatics to shine without the alcohol becoming overly prominent. Use a wide-bowled white wine glass to give the concentrated aromas room to develop. No decanting is necessary for this wine, though it benefits from a few minutes in the glass to open up fully.