Have you been curious about Snoop Dogg’s venture into the wine world? You’re not alone. As the iconic West Coast rapper transitions from “Gin and Juice” to fine wine, fans and casual drinkers alike are eager to uncork the truth about his 19 Crimes collaboration. But is it actually good, or just another celebrity cash grab? Let’s dive into what makes these bottles worth your attention—or not—before you make your next purchase.
# Introduction
Snoop Dogg’s 19 Crimes Wine Collection represents a commercially successful, approachable celebrity wine collaboration that prioritizes accessibility and cultural resonance over fine-wine sophistication. Launched in 2020, the flagship Cali Red blends 65% Petite Syrah, 30% Zinfandel, and 5% Merlot, marking 19 Crimes’ first California-based offering after previously focusing exclusively on Australian varieties.
This fruit-forward wine delivers a noticeably sweet profile (7-8 g/L residual sugar) with dominant notes of dark berries, mocha, and vanilla, wrapped in a smooth, velvety texture with approachable tannins. While wine experts rate it as “good, not great” (Wine Enthusiast: 87 points), consumers are more enthusiastic, giving it a solid 3.9/5 from over 30,000 Vivino ratings.
Retailing between $12-15, Cali Red offers exceptional value for casual wine drinkers who prefer accessible reds. Each bottle features Snoop’s image through innovative “Living Wine Labels” technology, creating an interactive augmented reality experience that enhances its cultural appeal beyond just the liquid inside.
The collection has since expanded to include Cali Rosé and Cali Gold sparkling wine, all maintaining the brand’s commitment to approachability. Positioned between off-dry and medium-sweet on the sweetness scale, these wines compete with popular options like Apothic Red and Ménage à Trois Red Blend in the affordable premium category.
But is Snoop’s venture into wine genuinely worth your attention, or just another celebrity cash grab? Let’s uncork the truth about what’s actually in the bottle before you make your next purchase.
Uncorking the Bottle: What is Snoop Dogg’s 19 Crimes Wine?
When Snoop Dogg partnered with Australian wine brand 19 Crimes in 2020, it marked a significant moment in celebrity wine collaborations. This wasn’t just another famous face slapped on a bottle—it represented the first California-based wine in the 19 Crimes portfolio, which previously focused exclusively on Australian varieties.
The flagship product, Cali Red, stands out as a bold California red blend featuring 65% Petite Syrah, 30% Zinfandel, and 5% Merlot. With 14.1% ABV and retailing between $12-15, it sits comfortably in the affordable premium wine category. Treasury Wine Estates, the parent company behind 19 Crimes, handles the production—bringing significant winemaking expertise to the table while allowing Snoop to influence the flavor profile and branding.
Following the success of Cali Red, the collection expanded to include Cali Rosé and the sparkling Cali Gold. Each bottle features Snoop’s image through the brand’s signature “Living Wine Labels” technology, which brings the label to life through an augmented reality app—creating an interactive experience that goes beyond just the liquid in the bottle.
Tasting Snoop Dogg’s 19 Crimes Cali Red
So what happens when you actually uncork this celebrity-backed wine? Let’s break down the tasting experience:
Appearance
Cali Red pours with a deep, rich ruby color with purple undertones, looking exactly how you’d expect a bold California red blend to appear. The wine shows good viscosity when swirled, with noticeable “legs” running down the glass—indicating both its alcohol content and richness.
Aroma & Flavor
The first whiff reveals an approachable bouquet dominated by ripe dark fruits—think blackberry jam, black cherry, and plum—backed by vanilla, chocolate, and subtle oak notes. This is undeniably crafted in a crowd-pleasing style.
Upon tasting, those fruit-forward impressions continue. Snoop’s red wine delivers noticeable sweetness upfront (approximately 7-8 g/L residual sugar), which transitions to flavors of dark berries, mocha, vanilla, and baking spices. Wine enthusiasts might recognize the characteristic jammy profile typical of California Zinfandel, enhanced by the smoothness of Merlot.
Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied, Cali Red offers a smooth, velvety texture that coats the palate pleasantly. The tannins are present but soft and approachable—nothing harsh or astringent here. This contributes to its easy-drinking nature, making it accessible even for those who don’t typically gravitate toward red wines.
Finish
The finish is moderately long with lingering notes of vanilla, chocolate, and dark fruits. While not particularly complex, it’s satisfying and leaves a pleasant sweetness that many casual wine drinkers appreciate.
The Verdict: Quality, Value & Expert Opinions
When evaluating Snoop Dogg’s wine collection, it’s important to consider both professional critiques and everyday consumer opinions.
Wine experts generally place Cali Red in the “good, not great” category. Wine Enthusiast awarded it 87 points—respectable for its price point but not exceptional. Critics acknowledge it as a well-made commercial wine that succeeds in its goal of being approachable and fruit-forward, though lacking the complexity that would elevate it to fine wine status.
Consumer reviews tell a more enthusiastic story. On Vivino, the world’s largest wine app, Cali Red maintains a solid 3.9/5 star average from over 30,000 ratings—impressively consistent for a celebrity wine. Most reviewers highlight its smoothness, approachable sweetness, and excellent value for money.
“Surprisingly good for the price,” writes one Vivino user. “I was skeptical of celebrity wines, but this is legitimately enjoyable,” notes another. The majority of negative reviews come from drinkers expecting a drier, more traditional red wine experience.
From a value perspective, Cali Red delivers impressive bang for your buck. At $12-15 per bottle, it competes with wines costing significantly more while offering a consistent, enjoyable drinking experience. The quality-to-price ratio represents one of its strongest selling points.
Who Should Buy This Wine?
Snoop Dogg’s 19 Crimes collaboration isn’t trying to be a sophisticated reserve Cabernet or age-worthy Bordeaux blend—and that’s perfectly fine. Understanding its target audience helps determine if it’s right for you:
Perfect For:
- Casual wine drinkers who prefer accessible, fruit-forward reds
- Those who typically find dry red wines too astringent or tannic
- Snoop Dogg fans looking for authentic merchandise with actual quality
- Wine beginners starting their journey into red blends
- Gift-givers seeking something fun with broad appeal
Maybe Skip If:
- You exclusively enjoy bone-dry reds with pronounced tannins
- You’re seeking nuanced complexity and terroir expression
- Your palate strongly dislikes any hint of residual sugar in red wine
When it comes to food pairings, Cali Red’s fruity profile and touch of sweetness make it remarkably food-friendly. It shines particularly well with:
- Barbecued meats and grilled burgers
- Pizza with red sauce
- Mexican dishes with moderate spice
- Dark chocolate desserts
The wine is best served slightly below room temperature (around 60-65°F or 15-18°C), allowing its fruit-forward character to express fully without alcohol heat dominating.
Quick Facts & Comparisons
To fully understand Snoop Dogg’s wine in context, consider these key points:
California Red Blend Classification: Unlike regulated appellations such as Bordeaux or Burgundy, California red blends offer winemakers freedom to combine varietals for specific flavor profiles rather than adhering to strict traditions. This allows for the crowd-pleasing, fruit-forward style that Cali Red exemplifies.
Sweetness Level: On the sweetness scale, Cali Red sits between off-dry and medium-sweet—noticeably sweeter than traditional European reds but not as sweet as dessert wines. This residual sugar contributes significantly to its mass appeal.
Comparable Wines: In the same price bracket, Cali Red competes with popular options like Apothic Red, Ménage à Trois Red Blend, and The Prisoner (at a higher price point). Compared to these peers, Cali Red typically offers similar sweetness to Apothic but with more balanced structure.
Aging Potential: This wine is crafted for immediate enjoyment rather than long-term cellaring. While it won’t deteriorate quickly, you won’t gain additional complexity by aging it. The ideal drinking window is within 1-2 years of purchase.
Ultimately, Snoop Dogg’s 19 Crimes Cali Red succeeds in its mission: delivering an accessible, enjoyable wine experience that appeals beyond traditional wine enthusiasts. It maintains quality that exceeds its price point while offering the novelty of celebrity association—no small achievement in the competitive wine market.
For fans looking to experience Snoop’s venture into wine, it’s absolutely worth trying. Even skeptical wine drinkers might find themselves pleasantly surprised by what’s in the bottle. After all, as Snoop himself might say, it’s not just about the destination but enjoying the journey—and this wine certainly makes that journey enjoyable.
Ready to try it yourself? You can find Snoop Dogg’s complete wine collection right here at SnoopDoggShop.com, along with his other beverage ventures including INDOGGO gin and the recent “Gin & Juice” collaboration with Dr. Dre.
Fabiola Tanis is the founder and CEO of SnoopDoggShop.com, the premier online destination for authentic Snoop Dogg merchandise, apparel, footwear, wine, and collectibles. With over 12 years of experience in e-commerce and retail brand management, Fabiola has developed the expertise and vision necessary to create a trusted platform for fans seeking genuine products that celebrate Snoop Dogg’s enduring cultural impact.