NINETEEN CRIMES turned criminals into colonists. Upon conviction, these men, guilty of at least one of the 19 crimes, were sentenced to live in Australia, rather than death. This 'punishment by Transportation began in 1788, and many of the lawless died at sea. For the rough-hewn men who made it to shore, a new world awaited. As pioneers in a frontier colony, they forged a new country and new lives, brick by brick.
This wine honours the history they wrote and the culture they built.

Learn About James Wilson: Born James McNally in Newry, County Down, Ireland in 1836, he joined the British Army at the age of 17 (enlisting under a false name), before returning to Ireland where he became a Fenian in 1864. On 10 February 1866, he was arrested by the police, who discovered him hiding in a safe house in Dublin. Wilson, along with other military Fenians, was tried, found guilty of desertion and mutinous conduct, and sentenced to death. However, this sentence was later commuted to penal servitude for life, and they were transported to Western Australia. In October 1867, Wilson and sixty one other Fenians began the long sea voyage on board the Hougoumont to Australia.

Tasting Notes: Dark red shrouded by purple hues. Nose: Intense lifted dark chocolate and vanilla aromatics balanced with blackberry and plum fruits. Palate: Full and round on the palate with a distinct sweetness making the wine rich and mouth coating. The dark chocolate and vanilla aromatics carry through on the palate and complement subtle flavours of cloves and cinnamon spice. The palate has a long rich plush finish brooding with dark forest fruits.

Vintage Conditions: A warm, dry spring resulted in slightly reduced yields, however the vines adapted well. Rains in January caused little damage and provided much-needed water following a dry start to the season. The following cool, dry February weather, and warm conditions in early March, created ideal conditions for steady, even ripening. Overall, 2016 was considered an exceptional vintage producing wines full of flavour, balanced with natural acidity and ripe tannins.