HandCraft Artisan Collection

It’s over, finito, fertig, terminado; in plain, simple English, it’s finished. No longer does a sometimes confused or befuddled wine lover have to suffer through the uncomfortable task of selecting the proper wines that best accompanies the dinner he or she is hosting for the last remaining Grand Duchess of Bosnia-Herzegovina; HandCraft Vineyards to the rescue. On the back label on all of the bottles of HandCraft wines are listed the foods that best accompanies that particular variety and puts an end to the uncertainties of the wine choice conundrum. Not only are the wines are worth far more than their very affordable price tag might indicate, but a portion of their profits also goes to the fight to find a cure for breast cancer.

HandCraft Artisan Collection 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon ($11.99). Some producers of Cabernet Sauvignon wines have a rather heavy handed approach to this variety, which has turned many wine drinkers away from the cab. The HandCraft Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine that just may bring them back to the variety. This wine is endowed with the aromas of black cherries and blackberries, cranberries and hints of chocolate. The flavor is strong, warm and powerful, stressing summer berries, spice, licorice, and just a suggestion of oak, which then trails off to a very captivating and delightful finish. The HandCraft Cabernet Sauvignon is wine that can accompany a broad spectrum of foods, some often not associated with a cab.

HandCraft Artisan Collection 2014 Pinot Grigio ($11.99). This Italian immigrant is rapidly becoming one of America’s favorite white wines. This HandCraft Artisan Collection version of the Pinot Grigio is alive with the aromas of pear, melon, flowers, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These aromas also carry over to the flavor and linger in the mouth long after the wine has been finished. Pinot Grigio is an excellent variety that can accompany a wide variety of foods, but it is a standout with shrimp or mild cheese based dishes or as an aperitif while still presenting quality and affordability: a combination that simply can’t be beaten.

HandCraft 2014 Artisan Collection Chardonnay ($11.99). In the HandCraft 2014 Artisan Collection Chardonnay, the reigning queen of white wines is presented in the new robes of a full fruit flavored California beauty. The delicious flavors of melon, peach, pear and loads of tropical fruit are complimented by an underlying vanilla and toasty oak. With price snobbery discarded, this is a really enjoyable wine.

HandCraft 2014 Artisan Collection Pinot Noir ($11.99). Do you like cherries? If you do there is plenty of cherry in this offering to make you happy along with ample amounts of strawberry and plum, which are to be found both the flavor and the aroma. The wine retains the softness that the variety is famous for while extending the fruit flavors far beyond previous borders. For a moderately priced Pinot Noirs, which are usually disappointing, the HandCraft 2014 Pinot Noir is a rare find.

HandCraft 2014 Artisan Collection Petite Sirah ($11.99). In these days of trying to get the best buy for your buck, the HandCraft 2014 Petite Sirah is the equal to the best of them on the market today. The deep purple/red color heralds the aroma of ripe, red summer berries, chocolate, and spice. The flavor is an explosive swirl of boysenberry, blackberry, black pepper, and vanilla. Another surprise is the long and subtle finish making this a wine that should not be missed.

HandCraft 2014 Artisan Collection Malbec ($11.99). Being a true Malbec, this wine presents an inviting deep ruby color and a medium body that heralds the aromas of blackberry, plum, black cherries, and mocha. Cherries, plums, cinnamon, with a hint of coffee and dark chocolate are the dominant flavors along with some added complexity provided by a hint of oak. This is truly a regal wine with the charm and bearing of a modern classic. This wine is the perfect accompaniment to red meat barbecues and any meal with an Italian flare.