Harvest's Wines of the Year (2024)
How We Chose Our Top Wines: Behind the Selection Process
At Harvest Wine Shop, selecting the year's top wines is part science, part art—and entirely passionate. Our rigorous selection process goes far beyond simply counting bottles sold or following industry trends. We dive deep into each wine, evaluating it through multiple lenses that capture both its measurable qualities and its subjective/hard to measure apects.
Our Evaluation Criteria
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Quality Assessment Our team conducts exhaustive taste tests, examining each wine through a critical lens. We look for:
- Grape typicity: How authentically does the wine represent its varietal and region?
- Technical excellence: Balance, complexity, and craftsmanship
- Comparative market analysis: How does the wine stand up to similar offerings in its price point and style?
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Rigorous Selection Criteria
- Vineyard sustainability practices
- Production methods
- Representation of terroir
- Innovation in winemaking
- The Unmeasurable Magic We acknowledge that some of a wine's greatest value can't be graphed or calculated. We're deeply interested in the story behind each bottle—the producer's journey, the vineyard's history, the winemaker's philosophy. These romantic elements create a narrative that transforms a good wine into an extraordinary experience and can affect the way a wine is perceived on the palate.
Harvest Wine Shop's Wines of the Year (2024)
#10 - Istine Chianti Classico DOCG 2021 - $32.99
Nestled in the rolling hills of Tuscany, Istine represents the heart of traditional Chianti winemaking. This family-owned vineyard sits in the historic Radda in Chianti region, where sangiovese grapes have been telling stories of the land for generations. Their Chianti Classico is a love letter to Tuscan terroir—bright cherry notes dance with subtle earth and leather, capturing the rugged beauty of the landscape. Each sip is like walking through sun-drenched vineyards, with a perfect balance of tradition and modern finesse.
#9 - Johan Vineyards Estate Pinot Noir, Van Duzer Corridor, Willamette Valley, Oregon 2022 - $37.99
Oregon's Willamette Valley is pinot noir paradise, and Johan Vineyards is a testament to the region's magical terroir. Biodynamically farmed with a commitment to ecological harmony, these vineyards produce wines that speak of misty mornings and cool maritime breezes. This estate pinot is a delicate dance of wild berry, forest floor, and subtle spice—a wine that captures the untamed spirit of the Pacific Northwest in every glass.
#8 - Shaw + Smith Sauvignon Blanc, Adelaide Hills, South Australia 2022 - $28.99
In the cool-climate sanctuary of Adelaide Hills, Shaw + Smith crafts a sauvignon blanc that defies expectations. This isn't your typical grassy, sharp white—instead, it's a nuanced expression of a region where winemaking is an art form. Bright citrus and green apple notes mingle with subtle mineral undertones, reflecting the unique geological landscape of South Australia. It's a wine that tells the story of its makers: innovative, precise, and utterly captivating.
#7 - Gurrieri Moscato, Terre Siciliane IGT, Sicily, Italy 2021 - $24.99
Sicily's sun-drenched vineyards come alive in Gurrieri's moscato, a wine that captures the island's vibrant spirit. Grown on volcanic soils that whisper stories of ancient eruptions, this moscato is a far cry from overly sweet versions. Instead, it's a delicate balance of floral aromatics, ripe stone fruits, and a surprising mineral freshness. Each sip is like a stroll through a Sicilian garden—light, playful, with an underlying complexity that speaks to the island's rich winemaking heritage.
#6 - Raventós i Blanc 'Blanc de Blancs' Extra Brut, Conca Del Riu Anoia, Spain 2021 - $24.99
Beyond champagne lies the magical world of Spanish sparkling wine, and Raventós i Blanc is its passionate storyteller. Nestled in the Conca del Riu Anoia, this family has been crafting exceptional sparkling wines for generations. Their Blanc de Blancs is a crisp, bone-dry celebration of indigenous grapes—think green apple, citrus zest, and a whisper of Mediterranean herbs. It's a wine that challenges everything you thought you knew about sparkling wine, with a minerality that speaks directly to the unique terroir of northeastern Spain.
#5 - Matthiasson Estate Ribolla Gialla, Napa Valley, California 2021 - $49.99
Steve Matthiasson is a wine world revolutionary, and his ribolla gialla is proof. In a region obsessed with cabernet, he's championing rare, ancient grape varieties with the passion of an artist. This wine is liquid poetry—delicate yet profound, with notes of green almond, citrus blossom, and a fascinating textural complexity. It's a bold statement about diversity in winemaking, showing that Napa Valley can be so much more than just a cabernet factory.
#4 - Broc Cellars "The Perfect Red" Cabernet Sauvignon, California 2022 - $23.99
Broc Cellars represents the new wave of California winemaking, challenging traditional Cabernet Sauvignon styles. Their "Perfect Red" likely offers a more restrained, elegant interpretation of the grape, moving away from the stereotypical heavy, oak-laden versions. Emphasizing freshness and balance, this wine showcases bright fruit, moderate alcohol, and a focus on vineyard expression rather than winemaking manipulation. A testament to California's evolving wine landscape.
#3 - Unico Zelo Fresh A.F. Nero d'Avola, Riverland, Australia 2023 - $24.99
Unico Zelo champions Australian alternative varieties, and their Fresh A.F. Nero d'Avola embodies their innovative spirit. Originating in Sicily, Nero d'Avola finds an interesting expression in Australia's Riverland region. The wine offers a vibrant, juicy profile with bright red fruit, minimal intervention, and a playful approach to winemaking. Unico Zelo's commitment to sustainability and experimentation shines through in this fresh, approachable interpretation of a classic Mediterranean grape.
#2 - Domaine des Combat Crozes-Hermitage Blanc, Northern Rhône Valley, France 2019 - $27.99
Domaine des Combat captures the elegance of Crozes-Hermitage, a prestigious white wine appellation in the Northern Rhône. Typically composed of Marsanne and Roussanne grapes, this wine promises complexity and depth. The 2019 vintage offers rich, textural characteristics with notes of stone fruits, white flowers, and subtle mineral undertones. The Northern Rhône's unique terroir and the domain's careful winemaking ensure a sophisticated, nuanced white wine.
#1 - Biutiful Cava Brut Nature NV, Cava DO, Spain - $16.99
Biutiful Cava represents a modern, approachable take on traditional Spanish sparkling wine. Brut Nature indicates zero dosage, promising a bone-dry, crisp experience. Made using the traditional method with indigenous Spanish grapes like Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel-lo, this NV (Non-Vintage) Cava offers consistent quality and fresh, vibrant flavors. An excellent example of high-quality, affordable sparkling wine that challenges Champagne's dominance.
Honorable Mentions
Thistledown "Thorny Devil" Grenache, McLaren Vale, Australia 2022 - $31.99
Thistledown showcases the purity of old-vine Grenache with their "Thorny Devil" bottling from McLaren Vale. This wine delivers a bright, medium-bodied profile with red berry flavors, hints of spice, and velvety tannins. Crafted with minimal intervention, it highlights McLaren Vale's Mediterranean climate and unique terroir, emphasizing the finesse and complexity of Grenache when treated with care.
Le Rocher des Violettes Cabernet Franc, Touraine AOC, Loire Valley, France 2021 - $21.99
Le Rocher des Violettes produces elegant expressions of Loire Valley Cabernet Franc, and this Touraine bottling is no exception. Expect a fresh, vibrant red with aromas of red currants, bell pepper, and a touch of earthiness. The wine's lively acidity and delicate tannins reflect the Loire's cool climate, making it an ideal choice for fans of refined, food-friendly reds.
Deux Punx Old Vine Zinfandel, Central Coast, California 2022 - $27.99
Deux Punx's Old Vine Zinfandel captures the rustic charm of California's Central Coast. Sourced from mature vines, this wine offers bold flavors of ripe blackberries, dried herbs, and warm spices. Balancing concentration with freshness, it celebrates the region's sunny days and cool nights while embracing a minimalist winemaking approach.
Champagne Gaston Chiquet Premier Cru "Tradition" Brut NV - $49.99
Gaston Chiquet, a Premier Cru grower in Champagne, crafts the "Tradition" Brut NV with a focus on balance and refinement. This Champagne, blending Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier, offers aromas of citrus, brioche, and almonds. Expect a fine mousse, vibrant acidity, and a lingering finish that showcases the terroir of some of Champagne's finest vineyards.
Domaine des Trouillères, "Annolium" Blanc, Cotes d'Auvergne AOC, France 2022 - $32.99
From the volcanic soils of Côtes d'Auvergne, Domaine des Trouillères' "Annolium" Blanc is a unique white wine made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Expect a textured palate with flavors of ripe pear, citrus, and a mineral-driven finish. The volcanic terroir imparts a distinctive flinty character, making this wine a compelling and rare find.
A Note of Transparency
While we're proud to showcase these 15 exceptional wines, we want to be crystal clear: this list is far from an absolute decree of wine superiority. Every bottle on our shelves at Harvest Wine Shop has been carefully curated, tasted, and selected with the same passion and discernment. The wines you'll read about below simply caught our eye with a whisper of distinction—a nuanced flavor profile, an intriguing story, or a moment of unexpected brilliance. But make no mistake—the margin between these selections and our other offerings is razor-thin. We intentionally excluded wines with prohibitive price tags or those no longer available, ensuring this list remains not just a celebration of exceptional wine, but a practical guide for our wine-loving community. Our commitment remains unwavering: we stand behind every single bottle we sell, each one a testament to our dedication to small-production, organic, and artisanal wines.
Happy Holidays from Harvest Wine Shop
This year has been a wild ride, and we couldn't be more excited to share our favorite wines with you. These 15 bottles? They're not just drinks—they're like old friends we can't wait for you to meet. Whether you're hosting a big family dinner or just hanging out with a few close pals, these wines are gonna make your holiday gatherings something special.
Picture this: you're around the table, maybe there's some holiday music playing, everyone's laughing, and you've got a glass of something truly delicious in your hand. That's what we're talking about. These wines aren't about being fancy or complicated—they're about bringing people together and making memories.
This first full year of Harvest Wine Shop has been incredible, and that's 100% because of you. Every time you choose to shop with us instead of a big chain store, every conversation, every bottle you've taken home—you made this happen. We're not some huge corporate wine shop. We're just a couple of wine lovers who want to share something we're passionate about.
When you buy from us, you're not just getting a bottle of wine. You're supporting a dream, a small business, and a whole community of people who care about making something awesome. You're helping us do what we love.
So from the bottom of our hearts—thank you. Thank you for drinking small, for believing in us, and for making this year incredible.
From our table to yours, happy holidays!
The Harvest Wine Shop Team
