Exceptional Value Pinot Noir: Handcraft

As the warmer months are gaining on us, your humble Wine Bargain Sleuth continues his quest for quality, affordable Pinot Noir to stash away.  In that vein, we have a treat for you this month in the 2012 Handcraft Pinot Noir California!  List price on the 2012 Handcraft beauty is a mere $14.95, but a little sleuthing online or at your local wine merchant might land it for closer to $12 per bottle.   In today’s rising Pinot Noir market, that qualifies as a bona fide value!   Other than great Pinot fruit, what makes this 2012 Handcraft special is that approx. 24% of its juice is a unique blend of Tempranillo, Petit Verdot, Sangiovese and Petit Sirah, which in turn gives the pinot a bit more depth and earthiness that allow it to pair beautifully with summer fare such as burgers, ribs, BBQ and grilled sausages.   The 2012 Handcraft Pinot Noir has classic Pinot Noir notes of strawberry, cherry and cola, but the blend grapes add a bit of structure and interesting tea and spice flavors with a silky smooth finish.   This domestic Pinot Noir was awarded a gold medal in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and Wine Enthusiast awarded it a solid 89 rating and named it a Best Buy.   What are you waiting for?   We just found your summer “go to” red!