19 Crimes Hard Chard Chardonnay

19 Crimes Hard Chard Chardonnay is a full-bodied, heavily oaked Australian Chardonnay from Treasury Wine Estates, bottled at 15% ABV — roughly two points above a standard Chardonnay and, per the brand, the boldest expression of Chardonnay it could make. One hundred percent Chardonnay from South Eastern Australia, honoring Jane Castings, one of the women banished to Australia. Available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.

• ABV: 15% alc/vol (verify label — retail listings vary 14.5%-16%)
• Size: 750mL (non-vintage)
• Origin: South Eastern Australia; produced by 19 Crimes / TWE Imports, Nuriootpa, South Australia
• Production: 100% Chardonnay with significant toasty oak influence; non-vintage
• Label figure: Jane Castings

Chardonnay, Turned Up

19 Crimes built its brand on the convicts-turned-colonists of Australia, and Hard Chard extends that irreverent streak to the glass. Where a standard Chardonnay lands around 13-13.5%, Hard Chard pushes to 15% — full-bodied, deeply golden, and unapologetically oaky, with stone fruit, toasty oak, butterscotch, honey, and a butter-vanilla finish. It is a wine for drinkers who find lean, mineral Chards boring and want the style at maximum volume. Among white wines, few bottles commit to the bit this hard — see the whole 19 Crimes lineup while you're here.

Tasting Notes

Brand-supplied copy: deep, rich, golden; stone-fruit aromas; a sweet-textured palate of toasty oak, butterscotch, and honey; a butter-vanilla finish. Retailers note ripe orchard peach and pear, citrus peel, and a creamy, lingering finish.

How to Enjoy

Serve well chilled (45-50°F) — the higher alcohol shows best cold. It stands up to rich food: lobster mac and cheese, roast chicken with cream sauce, or buttery popcorn on movie night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called "Hard" Chard?
"Hard" signals higher alcohol — 15% ABV versus ~13-13.5% for a standard Chardonnay.

Who is on the label?
Jane Castings, one of the women banished to Australia, continuing the brand's criminal-history theme.

Is it oaky?
Very — toasty oak, butterscotch, and butter-vanilla are the signature of this wine.

Is this the same as the Halloween Mummy bottle?
No — the glow-in-the-dark "Mummy" limited edition is a separate 16% ABV release; this is the standard Hard Chard.

For Chardonnay with the volume cranked, grab a bottle — order 19 Crimes Hard Chard online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.