The 2011 HandCraft Cabernet Sauvignon, with a small amount of Sangiovese added in, is sourced from vineyards located in more than one California grape growing AVA. HandCraft is one of DFV Wines many labels, Gnarly Head, Bota Box, Twisted, {Noble Vines}, Twisted and Brazin along with several others. HandCraft is a project run by Cheryl Indelicato, granddaughter of DFV founder Gaspare’ Indelicato, who started growing grapes in California in 1924. Cheryl, along with winemaker Alicia Ysais, created HandCraft wines as a nod to those early wines and as a vehicle to raise money for breast cancer, they were able to donate $100,000 in 2012. 75% of this Cabernet Sauvignon is aged for 4 to 6 months in 90% French oak barrels and 10% American oak barrels and the remaining 25% was aged for 4 to 6 months in stainless steel tanks (aging in stainless helps the Cab maintain its youthful bright fresh fruit flavors and is a nice contrast to the oaked Cabernet). The alcohol content is a bold 14.5% and you should be able to find this Cab in the $10 to $13 range.
The color is a deep, rich black cherry red. The nose is ripe cherry, new leather jacket, smoke off the grill and pepper. This is a well rounded Cabernet Sauvignon, upon first sip, you experience a lush mouth feel, layers of bold flavors, and tight balanced tannins, this Cabernet is not shy. It starts with black cherry, Dove chocolate, tart cranberry and sweet blueberry. The Mid palate adds a tug from the tannins, just enough to give the flavors something to hang on to and a late hit of strawberries in cream. The finish is full and long.
The 2011 Hand Craft Cabernet is a lot of taste for not a lot of money. There are lush, rounded, but not overly ripe flavors, with just enough structure to hold the wine together. This Cab would pair well with burgers, stews, pot roast, large pots of spaghetti, you know, comfort foods and drinks exceptional well on the back deck as a hot summers day cools down.
