In a world that is complaining about wine, there is a significant need for the free press and wine bloggers who continue to review and share their experiences with wines. We focus on the beverage itself and the people, stories, and traditions behind it. This year, I am incredibly grateful to have received many samples, allowing me to taste and enhance my tasting skills while discovering different soils, projects, and grape varieties. In the world of wine, the learning never stops.
Over the past year, I have reviewed numerous red, white, and sparkling wines, and there are a few that I wish I could highlight more. I want to give these wines the recognition they deserve, as they genuinely impressed me. It’s always a pleasure to share my thoughts, so here are some wines that should definitely be on your radar.
AVIVO Wines is an ambitious project that represents the culmination of a vision shared by Ridgely Evers, a former Intuit manager and industry veteran, Daniel Fitzgerald: to produce exquisite wines that are a force for change.
AVIVO was inspired by a simple yet powerful idea: to craft delicious, affordable, climate-positive wines that bring people together. It was founded with the vision of producing authentic wines that are not only better for the environment but also better for you.
AVIVO is dedicated to combating climate change through regenerative farming practices that enhance soil health and actively store carbon. They employ minimal intervention winemaking to highlight the unique terroir of their grapes and ensure transparency by listing ingredients and nutritional information on labels. Founded by Ridgely Evers and Daniel Fitzgerald, AVIVO focuses on utilizing natural resources to create authentic wines, and their vineyards are certified organic and glyphosate-free. Committed to community well-being and environmental conservation, they practice cover cropping and composting to improve vine health. This results in vibrant wines made from Mediterranean varieties that thrive in California’s hot climate.
The wines are made with indigenous yeasts for fermentation, and no mysterious additives, colors, or sugars are added, allowing the unique character of the grapes and vineyards to shine through.
AVIVO packages its wines in lightweight glass to reduce its carbon footprint further and uses Nomacorc Ocean corks made from recycled marine plastic waste.
AVIVO Rose 2023 is a delightful wine with a fruit-forward, clean taste and pleasant mouthfeel. It is made from high-quality fruit from the biodynamically farmed River’s Edge Vineyard. It features enticing aromas of ripe red fruits, wild berries, fresh tobacco, and spices. The flavor profile includes rich cherry, plum, and black raspberry notes, complemented by black olive and spiced nuts. With a velvety texture, smooth tannins, and vibrant acidity, the wine concludes with a long, dry finish.
Owner David Hejl has an exciting past fueled by many lifelong passions.
With over thirty years of experience, which includes serving as CEO and General Manager at Kosta Browne Winery, he led the brand’s successful sale in 2015. He is now pursuing his vision with Domaine Della, his luxury wine label. An avid traveler, he has explored key wine regions worldwide, enriching his knowledge of diverse cultures and cuisines. Prior to Kosta Browne, David held executive roles at companies like Nabisco and Berkshire Hathaway, focusing on growth strategies. He holds a BS in Accounting and Finance, an MBA from Northwestern, credentials as a CPA, and has completed the Wine Executive Program at UC Davis. Additionally, he has contributed to academia as a speaker and faculty member at several universities.
Hence, I immediately recognized the value of their Domaine Della Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2022, which was sent to me before the Pink Society party. Domaine Della wines are very exclusive. On the nose, there are red fruit flavors featuring cherry and cranberry notes that are layered with hints of earthy undertones. Its silky texture is complemented by integrated tannins and refreshing acidity, creating a vibrant mouthfeel that lingers on the palate. The wine concludes with subtle spice and floral nuances, showcasing the intricacies of its terroir and the craftsmanship behind its production.
The Walla Walla Valley AVA is not only known for its Pinot Noirs, but this year, it was the first time I tried their renowned exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon. In this regard, a producer I wasn’t acquainted with, Seven Hills Winery, combines respect for tradition with a dedication to excellence. With 30 years of experience in farming and collaborating with esteemed winegrowers, the winery carefully selects the finest grapes from premium growing locations. The meticulous focus on deep silt-loam soils, wind-deposited silt on basalt, and rugged cobblestone gravel ensures the highest quality fruit for their Cabernet, which undergoes open-top fermentation and is aged for 14 months in a blend of new American and French barrels.
The Seven Hills Cabernet Sauvignon vintage 2022 experience in the valley demonstrates resilience and adaptability, with bud break starting mid-April during an unusually cool spring. Despite initial concerns due to the low Growing Degree Days, the weather improved significantly in July and August, leading to optimal conditions for grape ripening. The wine showcases a striking garnet color and offers pronounced aromas of black cherry and raspberry, complemented by herbs, mushrooms, and a hint of cigar. With a medium-plus body and firm tannins, this classic Walla Walla Cabernet pairs beautifully with grilled meats or vegetarian options like mushroom burgers, providing a truly magical tasting experience.
In 2024, Carmenère celebrated 30 years in Chile, marking its remarkable journey from near extinction to becoming a symbol of Chilean viticulture. Originally from Bordeaux, Carmenère was rediscovered in the early 1990s and has since gained acclaim for its rich flavors of dark fruit and spice. This milestone highlights Chilean winemakers’ dedication to embracing the grape and promoting sustainability and innovation in viticulture.
Miguel Torres is a producer who has been working with Carmenere since the early 1990s, helping to elevate the varietal’s profile in the wine world.
Currently, he produces sustainable wines that truly represent this unique grape.
Miguel Torres Chile offers two exceptional wines that showcase the unique character of Carménère. The Andica and Cordillera de los Andes labels highlight rich notes of dark fruits such as blackberry and plum, complemented by herbal and spicy undertones. Sourced from the picturesque Maule Valley in southern Chile, these vibrant wines capture the essence of the region’s terroir, making them a delightful choice for wine enthusiasts.
Learn more about Miguel Torres in Chile here.
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