Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays To All

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to my family, friends, readers and everyone else!

May the glad tidings of this holiday season shine on you, your family and friends. May your celebrations be joyous and overflowing with great people, excellent conversation, fun times, delicious food and fine drink. May the gifts you give to others be well appreciated and bring joy to the recipients. May you thoroughly enjoy whichever holiday you celebrate at this season.

This is one of my favorite times of year. It should be a joyous occasion, reveling in all of our blessings, for no matter what ills there may be, there still is much to appreciate. That appreciation deserves recognition and sharing, and not only during the holidays. Do not dwell on the negative but rather embrace all that is good in your life.

It's also a time for giving, for sharing with those less fortunate than us. Please donate as much as you can to your favorite charities, whether you give money, time or goods. Even small donations can make a significant impact. Think of more than just yourself at this time and throughout the year.

Make sure you have a safe holiday as well. Please, please, please don't drink and drive, and drive safely and cautiously. If you're going to drink, let someone else drive, or take a taxi, Uber or public transportation. Again, please do not drink and drive! I hope that everyone will remain around to celebrate the New Year and see what 2026 brings all of us.

Drink and dine with passion this holiday, as well as every day of the year! Passion is what gives our lives meaning, what drives us toward excellence. A life devoid of passion is empty and shallow, and desperately needs change. Seek out whatever makes you passionate and revel in its delights. And share your passion with others.

Happy Holidays!

2025: Favorite Wine, Spirit, Sake & Drink-Related Items

What were some of my favorite Wine, Spirit, Sake & Drink-related related items of the past year?

As 2026 approaches, it's time once again to reflect upon the past year, to remember and savor pleasant memories. Previously, I posted three of my food-related Favorites lists as well as my Top Twelve Wines of 2025. It's time now for my final list, my Favorite Wine, Spirit, Sake and Drink-Related Items of 2025. 

This is certainly not a complete list but it is more a sampling of compelling and memorable matters I have experienced and posted about over the past year. This is also a purely subjective list, based on my own preferences, and makes no claims about being the "best" of anything. But all of the items here have earned my strong recommendations and I hope you will enjoy them as well. For more wine related items, you can just search my blog posts for the past year.

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Favorite Restaurant Wine Lists: I want to highlight several restaurants which offer some intriguing and excellent wine lists. 

     Krasi: With the largest Greek wine list in the country, you'll find almost any type of Greek wine you could desire. There are so many excellent options that you might have difficulty selecting a bottle, but their wine director, Jeremiah Cates, and staff can help guide you through the intriguing list. Expand your palate and explore the wonders of Greek wine. 

    Kosmos: Although their wine list is not as large as Krasi, Kosmos also has an excellent and interesting Greek wine list, which well complements their excellent Greek cuisine. 

    Nightshade Noodle Bar: Their eclectic, well-curated wine list has primarily more natural wines from small producers. There's plenty of interesting options available, and the wines pair very well with their delicious cuisine. The list changes fairly regularly, and there's always something new to tantalize your palate.  

     A Tavola: They have a small and well-curated all-Italian wine list, with plenty of tasty wines at all price points. Their regular wine dinners also highlight plenty of excellent Italian wines, from all across the country.   

     

Favorite Wine Dinner: This year, my favorite wine dinner was at A Tavola in Winchester. That's not a surprise as some of their prior wine dinners have also been Favorites. Their Wines for 2025 Dinner was compelling, with excellent wines, presented by Ciro Pirone, two of which made my list of Top Twelve Wines of 2025, and they paired very well with the delicious foods prepared by Chef Joe Carli and Sous Chef David Paige, from Braised Texas Boar Cacciatore to Barbera Braised Short Rib & Roman Gnocchi. A Tavola holds a number of wine dinners each year and you definitely should check them out.  

Favorite Large-Scale Wine Event: In 2023, the Boston Wine Expo returned, under new ownership and at a new venue, the Boston Park Plaza Hotel. It was a smaller more intimate event, and included a Spirits Tasting room and numerous Wine Classes. I've attended the last three Expos, and have found some excellent wines here. I would like to see more diversity in the wines, more wines from different countries, and hopefully there will be more in March 2026. Stay tuned as closer to the 2026 Expo date, I will post an article with my recommendations for booths to visit. I've already posted Basic Info about the Expo and Advice For Attending, which I recommend for anyone planning on attending.

Historical Drink Articles: During the pandemic, it's was tough for many food and drink writers as restaurants were closed and large scale wine events weren't held. For myself, I devoted many hours to researching and writing numerous historical food and drink articles, combing through thousands of newspapers and books. I've especially delved into the origins of numerous foods and drinks, trying to seek out their true origins, and not just accepting the unsubstantiated claims of others. Since then, I've continued to write these types of articles, and this year, my own historical (and quite lengthy) drink article was this one:

• A History of Sake Brewing in the U.S. (4 parts)

Favorite Tequilas: This year, my unquestioned favorites were the Blanco and Reposado from Alto Canto. I got to meet Daday Suarez, the founder, who was passionate, driven, and philosophical. The distillery is located in the mountains of Sierra del Tigre, at an altitude of about 9,000 feet, making it the highest tequila distillery in Jalisco. Their tequila is made from certified organic 100% Blue Weber agave, and it is produced in a more traditional method, including the use of a volcanic stone Tahona to mill the piñas. The Blanco ($80), with a 40% ABV, isn't aged in oak at all. On the nose, there was a pleasant and prominent agave smell, along with more subtle citrus notes. On the palate, the tequila was soft and smooth, without any bite or burn. There was a prominent agave taste, with complex notes of citrus, mild herbal notes, minerality and a little sweetness. It possessed a long, satisfying finish, and I could easily drink this on its own, or maybe atop some ice. The Reposado ($105), with a 40% ABV, was aged in new American white oak, in an adobe wine cellar, for about five months. I had some initial worries that the new oak might overpower this tequila, that its influence would be too bold, but as soon as I tasted the Reposado, all of those worries vanished. The Reposado had a nice, bright yellow color, and an intriguing nose of agave, citrus, and honey. On the palate, the tequila was silky smooth with a sense of elegance. The complex melange of flavors tantalized my palate, with notes of agave, citrus peel, dried fruit, honey, salted nuts, and more. Each sips seemed to bring something new to my mouth. The finish was quite lengthy and pleasing. The oak influence was more subtle, enhancing the tequila rather than detracting or masking its taste. This was an impressive spirit which I would enjoy primarily on its own, slowing sipping and enjoying each taste. 

Favorite Tequila Cocktail: At Casa Romero, I enjoyed the Bright Echo cocktail, which was composed of Alto Canto Blanco, jalapeños, fresh cilantro, lime juice & agave. It had a pleasant taste, with definite agave notes, lime elements and a spicy kick, especially on the finish. This is the type of cocktail I would order and enjoy at a restaurant or cocktail bar.

Favorite Mezcal Cocktail: I made a first visit to Bar-25 in Newburyport, and hope to return there again soon. They have plenty of offerings of Wine, Beer, Spirits, Cocktails and Mocktails. The Cocktail list (13 options for $13-$16) was inventive and intriguing. I opted for the BLT, made from sun-dried tomato infused Mezcal, bacon washed Ancho Reyes Poblano, Triple Sec, Lime, and Organic Agave. This was a superb cocktail, subtle and complex, well-balanced and absolutely delicious. It thoroughly impressed me and gives me great vibes about their cocktail program.

Favorite Tiki Cocktail: At Wusong Road, their Mai Tai ($15), is made with Appleton Estate Rum, Hamilton Rum, Clement Agricole Rhum, Orgeat, Lime, and Orange Curacao. It was delicious and complex, fruity and lightly sweet, with a noticeable amount of alcohol, although it wasn't overpowering. Certainly a much higher quality than the Mai Tai you get at many other Asian spots.

Favorite Junmai Sake: The Mana 1751 "True Vision" Yamahai Tokubetsu Junmai Muroka Genshu ($45.99) may be a mouthful to say, but the Sake itself is very naturally produced. As a Junmai, it's a pure rice Sake, made from only four ingredients: rice, water, yeast and koji-kin. And as a Tokubetsu, it's specially brewed in some manner, and one of those reasons is that the rice has been polished down to 60%, which is usually the Ginjo grade. The rice variety is Gohyakumangoku, grown in the brewery's region. The Sake was also produced by the Yamahai method, an older method of production (but riskier process) which does not add commercial lactic acid. In addition, Yamahai Sake is known for producing a more umami-rich Sake. The Sake also uses local yeast. In addition, this Sake is a Muroka, meaning it was unfiltered, not undergoing the usual charcoal filtration process of many other Sakes. It is also a Genshu, meaning it was not diluted by water, although most Sake is diluted as such. Despite not being diluted with water, the Sake still only has a 16.5% ABV, and not closer to 20% as many other Genshu Sakes. Plus, this Sake is Gluten Free and Vegan. This is certainly a unique Sake, providing a a more natural taste. On the nose, this Sake has intriguing notes of steamed rice and savoriness. And on the palate, it's complex and rich, with prominent umami and a compelling melange of flavors, including touches of mushroom and melon, pepper and banana, as well as a touch of smokiness. With each sip, you seem to find hints of other different flavors, and it's a great Sake to slowly sip, enjoying the evolving tastes. It possesses a lengthy finish and will delight with its fine balance. Pure deliciousness which certainly impressed me. This would be an excellent food Sake, especially due to its prominent umami. 

Favorite Honjozo Sake: The Akashi-Tai Daiginjo Genshu Sake is an iconic Sake, but it hasn't been available for retail in the U.S. since 2019. So, now it's available in the U.S., but only at Karma Asian Fusion, available by the glass for $17, or in a 300ml bottle for $55. It's a Honjozo Sake, meaning it's brewed from only 5 ingredients: rice, water, yeast, koji-kin mold, and brewer's alcohol. The brewer's alcohol is used to bring out certain flavors and aromas, and does not make the Sake more alcoholic. It's also made from Yamadanishiki rice, the King of Sake Rice, which has been milled down to only 38%. This Sake is a Daiginjo, the highest quality grade, which requires the rice to be polished down to at least 50%, so this Sake has been polished even more. It's also a Genshu, meaning it hasn't been diluted down by water, but has a 17% ABV, which is actually lower than many other Genshu, which can be around 20% ABV. I found this Sake to have an appealing fruity aroma (especially stone fruit), with a touch of floral notes. On the palate, it was absolutely delicious, complex and fruity, with subtle hints of floral elements. It was dry, with a medium-body, and a lengthy finish. It has a taste profile which should appeal to many people, even those new to Sake, or even those who claim they dislike Sake. This Sake could easily be enjoyed on its own, sipping with good friends, but it also would pair well with a variety of foods.

Favorite Sake Rant: I previously ranted How Do You Mainstream Sake?, advice primarily for Restaurants. Sake remains a niche beverage that hasn't yet made a major breakthrough with American consumers. We may now consume more Sake than ever in our history, but it's still such a tiny amount when compared to beer, wine and whiskey. For a number of years, I've believed that the greatest impact, the best way to make Sake more mainstream, is by getting more non-Asian restaurants to place Sake on their menus. Currently, Sake is nearly always found only at Asian restaurants, so the average consumer equates it only with Asian cuisine, from sushi to katsu. That misconception prevents Sake from becoming more mainstream, relegating it only to a certain type of cuisine, ensuring it remains more of a niche beverage. We need non-Asian restaurants to have the courage to place Sake on their drink menus, to show consumers that Sake pairs well with a diverse selection of cuisines and foods. I want to see Sake served with burgers, pizza, pasta dishes, fried clams, lobster rolls, and much more. 

Favorite Sake Educational Resource: For some of the latest and most fascinating current information about Sake, you need to read the Sake Industry News by John Gauntner. Each twice-monthly issue contains numerous intriguing news articles, sure to interest all Sake lovers, and with information you would be hard pressed to find elsewhere. I've learned plenty from this newsletter and eagerly look forward to each new issue. There's not enough Sake news available out there, and Gauntner is filling a much-needed niche. If you're interested in Sake, you definitely should subscribe. 

What were some of your favorite Wine, Spirit, Sake & Drink-related items this year?

Top Twelve Favorite Wines of 2025

As 2026 approaches, it's time once again to reflect upon the past year, to remember and savor pleasant memories. Previously, I posted three of my food-related Favorites lists and it's now time to cover my Top Twelve Wines of 2025. 

This list includes wines that not only I enjoyed, but which I also found to be particularly compelling for various reasons. They might be especially delicious, something more unique or just excellent values for the price. They all stand out, for some particular reason, above the other wines that I've tasted this past year. This list also includes only wines I reviewed on my blog, although I tasted some excellent wines that I didn't write about.

As I've mentioned before, I currently work at Victoria Hill Wine, Spirits & Gourmet, in Melrose, and I preside over their Wine Tastings on Thursdays (from 5-7pm) and Saturdays (from 1-4pm). During the past year, I've poured plenty of excellent and diverse wines, a number which are worthy of being on this list, although I haven't written about them on my blog this year. So, you can always stop by the shop and ask me for some of my top wine recommendations from those tastings. In 2026, I'll try to keep a list of my best recommendations from these tastings, noting them on my blog, to make it easier to find such wines.  

The following is a purely subjective list, based on my own preferences, and makes no claims about being the "best" wines out there. It's primarily the wines which spoke to me the loudest, even when they were subtle wines. These are all wines that I strongly recommend and which I believe many other wine lovers would also enjoy.

The wines are not listed in any particular order and each choice is linked to my more detailed prior review. All of these wines are worth your consideration but please also note that the prices are approximations and the actual price may vary in your area. In addition, some of the wines might not be available in your local region, though you might be able to order them from the winery or an online store, dependent on your state's shipping laws.

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1) 2022 Bocale Trebbiano Spoletino ($20-$25)

I enjoyed this wine at a wine dinner at A Tavola in Winchester. It's a white wine made from 100% Trebbiano Spoletino, which is a different type of Trebbiano, grown in Umbria, than many have experienced before. The winery was established in 2002, and their vineyards are sustainably farmed. The wine matured on the lees for several months, and saw only stainless steel. It was a fascinating wine, with complex and intriguing flavors, including citrus and stone fruit, with a strong herbal streak and hints of saline. A very unique tasting wine and its flavors seem to evolve over time in the glass.  

2) 2019 Torrevento Castel del Monte Bolonero ($15)

I also enjoyed this wine at the same wine dinner at A Tavola as above. The winery, whose history extends back about 100 years, practices sustainable farming practices. This wine is a blend of 80% Nero di Troia and 20% Aglianico, which aged for about 8 months in stainless steel. Nero di Troia is a lesser known grape from Puglia, whose origins may extend back to the ancient Greeks. However, it's said to produce quite delicious wines and is said to be deserving of much more attention. The wine was silky smooth, with a complex melange of flavors, including ripe plum and black cherries, accented by spice notes and savory herbs. Restrained tannins, excellent acidity, and a lingering, satisfying finish. Pure deliciousness and a great value.

3) 2022 Pere Mata Cupada Rosé Cava Reserva Brut Nature ($20-$25)

Produced more in a style like a Grower Champagne, this Cava Rosé is composed of a blend of 30% Macabeo, 25%, Parellada, 20% Xarello, and 25% Monastrell. The wine was fermented and aged in stainless steel for about 24-30 months. It was disgorged without any dosage and possesses a 12% ABV. It's a pale pink in color with an enticing aroma of red fruits, which makes you desire a taste. On the palate, it's crisp and dry, with clean tastes of red fruit, especially strawberry, with hints of citrus and rose petals. Plenty of tiny bubbles, a lengthy, pleasing finish, and overall, an air of elegance and deliciousness. For the quality and taste of this Cava, it's very reasonably priced, and can be enjoyed on its own, although it would pair well with a variety of foods as well. Seafood, chicken, pasta, and more. 

4) 4 Kilos Vinicola Motor America ($25)

Produced on the Spanish island of Mallorca, this wine is made from 100% Callet, a grape indigenous to Mallorca. Their Callet comes from organic vineyards, which are over 50 years old, and which grow in Cal Vermell soils, which are reddish, iron-rich and porous. The grapes are foot trodden, a rare practice nowadays, and fermented with native yeast. It's then aged in clay amphora and stainless steel for about five months. The resulting wine is also bottled unfined, unfiltered, and without any added sulfur dioxide and at an 11% ABV. With a fruity aroma, this wine is light bodied with delicious red fruit flavors, especially raspberry, with hints of black olive and herbs. It's smooth and easy drinking, with a satisfying finish and a rather unique taste. This is the type of wine which could also be slightly chilled if that's your preference. It's excellent on its own, but would pair well with foods suck as roast chicken or duck, or a roast pork loin. 

5 & 6) Alileo Wines: Sicilian, Organic Boxed Wines ($19.99/1.5 liter)
Boxed wine on this list? Why not? These two boxed wines are made in Sicily, use organic grapes, and wine production uses spontaneous fermentation. The wine is also boxed unfiltered. Alileo offers four different varietals. The Alileo Wines Young Bianco is produced from young Grillo grapes. With a bright yellow color, and a 12.5% ABV, the wine had a pleasing nose of citrus and floral notes, both which come out on the palate as well. It is fresh and clean, with good acidity, savory and herbal notes, and a pleasant finish. An excellent summer wine. The Alileo Wines Rosato Bronzato is produced from 100% Syrah and has a 12% ABV. "Bronzato" means "tanned by the sun," but it's also a slang term for "someone who partakes in some sporty imbibing." With a dark pink color, and a fruity aroma, the wine is fresh and crisp, with a medium-body and tasty, bright flavors of red fruit, especially cherry, and a savory element. Excellent on its own, and perfect for the summer, but it's very food friendly as well.

7) 2015 Valdespino La Especial Manzanilla En Rama (about $30)

This is a rarity, a Vintage Sherry (Jerez de Añada) which is also En Rama. With a 16% ABV, it possessed an alluring nose, with a touch of the sea, almonds, subtle citrus notes, and hints of herbs. On the palate, it was complex and compelling, delicious and intriguing. It was bone-dry, with plenty of acidity, a prominent briny character, and notes of apple and lemon. There were also hints of almonds, olives and herbs. It possessed a lengthy and satisfying finish. This Manzanilla would pair well with fried foods and seafood, especially oysters. An impressive wine, its complexity and taste would appeal to many wine lovers.  

8) Bodegas Yuste Conde de Aldama Palo Cortado Sherry ($120+)
This is another rarity, a Palo Cortado Sherry which possesses an average age of at least 130-150 years!  I have to begin noting that words are truly inadequate to depict the totality of drinking this extremely old Palo Cortado. However, I will try to encapsulate some of its wonders. First, it possessed a fine, dark amber color. Second, the nose possessed a complex and intense melange of harmonious aromas that seduced and tantalized me. I could identify some of the notes, but others were more elusive, exotic hints of rare aromas. Third, my palate was overwhelmed with pleasure, such an incredible taste. Complexity and harmony, pure elegance and balance. There was even a measure of freshness to this sherry, which is amazing considering its great age. It also possessed a diverse melange of flavors, both familiar and not, including briny notes, almonds, caramel, dried figs, subtle citrus, and much more. An extremely long and pleasing finish. I never wanted to stop drinking this Sherry and it possessed everything I might desire in such a wine. Perfection in a bottle. 

9) 2024 Varvaglione 1921 Susumaniello Rosé ($19)
From the Puglia region of Italy, this Rosé is which is produced from 100% Susumaniello, a rare grape of ancient lineage, and has a 13% ABV. The wine is aged in stainless steel, with periodic suspension of the lees. With a vibrant pink color, the nose is alluring with plenty of red fruit aromas and hints of spice. On the palate, it is crisp and dry, with bright red fruit flavors of strawberry, raspberry and cherry, along with subtle spice notes. On the lengthy finish, there's hints of minerality, and it's simply delicious. This would be excellent on its own, although it would also be an excellent food wine. Overall, this was an impressive Rosé, perfect for the summer, but which would be great year round.  

10) 2020 Zuccardi Poligonos Paraje Altamira Malbec ($30-$35)
A Malbec with a sense of place, from grapes in mountain vineyards, and aged in concrete. Produced from 100% Malbec, this wine was fermented with native yeasts in concrete vessels. It was then aged in concrete, and possessed a 14% ABV. It was fresh and bright, with a rich purple color, and a nose of black fruits and hints of herbs. On the palate, the fruit dominated, with flavors of ripe plum, black cherry and blueberry, but is supported by mineral notes (a stony element) and a subtle herbal accent. It was medium-bodied, with restrained tannins and good acidity. The finish was long and satisfying, and this was an excellent wine with a hearty meal. A complex and intriguing wine, the lack of oak helps you better understand the terroir, how the Malbec of his particular region differs from Malbec from other areas. Those who already enjoy Malbec will be thrilled by this wine, and others, who may not know much about Malbec, will also be thrilled by its taste.  

11) 2022 Olivier Roten Dôle Coteaux de Sierre ($25)
Produced in Switzerland, this wine is a type called Dôle, a traditional blend of Pinot Noir and Gamay. The Olivier Roten winery is seeking Organic certification and is otherwise sustainable. This wine is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Gamay, with a 13% ABV. The wine was fermented in stainless steel and then aged for at least 6 months in concrete tanks. It has a light red color, translucent, and an appealing nose of strawberry, black cherry and a touch of earthiness. On the palate, it's a light bodied and elegant wine, with fresh flavors of red fruits, such as raspberry and strawberry, a touch of earthiness, and hints of minerality. It possesses good acidity, mild tannins, and a lengthy, satisfying finish. Would be a nice pairing with salmon to roast chicken, pizza to burgers. An easy-drinking wine, but not a simple one. 

12) 2024 Tetramythos Agrippiotis Orange Nature
This fascinating Greek wine is certified organic, has a 11.5% ABV, and is made from a rare Greek white grape, Agrippiotis (also known as Curisti). It grows in the Peloponnese peninsula and the Ionian Islands, and is known for its high acidity, low yields, and the ability to grow well even in challenging environments. This wine underwent skin contact maceration for about 20 days, and was fermented with indigenous yeasts. It was bottled unfiltered, unfined and with the addition of minimal sulfites before bottling. The wine has a fine golden hue, slightly cloudy, with an alluring and complex nose of citrus, dried fruit, and floral elements. The promise of the nose is fully realized on the palate, which is elegant and complex, with bright acidity and an intriguing taste. The fascinating and complex flavors include citrus, dried fruits, baked apple, subtle herbal notes, and a touch of salted nuts. Each sip brought something new and exciting to my mouth. It's a well balanced wine, with mild tannins, and a lengthy, satisfying finish. An excellent food wine. It's a compelling wine that mere words cannot adequately describe, and which must be experienced to fully understand its beauty and wonders.

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Five countries made the list this year, with Italy in first place, occupying five spots on the list. Spain is in second place with four spots, with Argentina, Switzerland and Greece  each occupying one spot on the list. As for wine types, the list is also broken down into 1 Sparkling Rosé, 2 Rosé,  2 Whites, 4 Reds, 1 Orange, and 2 Fortified Wines. 

I have other wine recommendations on my blog and you just have to search for them. If you have some of your own recommendations for excellent wines you've enjoyed in 2025, please add them to the comments.

2025: My Top 50 Favorite Restaurants

As 2025 approaches, it's time once again to reflect upon the past year, to remember and savor pleasant memories. Yesterday, I posted my Top Five Favorite Restaurants & Four New Restaurants of 2025. It's time now to cover my Top 50 Favorite Restaurants of 2025. This list includes those Massachusetts places where I'm sure to always have a delicious meal, whether a casual breakfast or a high-end French dinner. These are the places I seem to recommend the most to others, including some places where I dine on a regular basis.

Many of these places have been listed on prior Favorite Lists, some for multiple years, and are all worthy of recognition and recommendation. There are also some new Favorites, places I only recently encountered but which I know I will be returning frequently. Please note that this list doesn't include the restaurants which I previously recommended in my first favorites list of this year. 

Please also note that this is also not a list of the "Best" restaurants, but my own personal favorites, however I suspect most people will agree that the restaurants on this list are worthy of your attention. And if you dine at any of these places based on my recommendation, please let them know.

There are thousands of restaurants in the Boston+ area and just because a place is not on my list doesn't mean I wouldn't recommend it. This is only a small list, and can't include every good restaurant. Plus, there are some worthy restaurants that I haven't yet dined at, or reviewed, and I hope to remedy that in 2026. For more Restaurant reviews, you can just search my blog posts for the past year. 

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Beverly 
A&B Burgers: Excellent burger spot, with a large tequila list too.

Butter UR Biscuit: Delicious biscuit sandwiches. Love the Cheesy Bird Biscuit. 

Soall Viet Kitchen: Excellent Vietnamese cuisine. Some of my favorite dishes include their plump Shrimp Summer Rolls, the crispy Sweet Potato & Shrimp Fritters, the tasty Steamed Pork Bao, and the alluring Chicken Clay Pot. 

Boston
Bistro du Midi: A fine French bistro.

Casa Romero: Excellent Mexican fare, from its fantastic Cochinita Pibil to Enchilada Mole.

Committee Ouzeri & Bar: Tasty Greek cuisine with a nice Greek wine list. 

Dumpling Cafe: In Chinatown, one of my favorite spots for Soup Dumplings. 

Mooncusser Fish House/Cusser's Roast Beef: Two restaurants in one, with a high-end seafood restaurant and a casual roast beef sandwich spot. 

Myers & Chang: Still consistently excellent with creative Asian cuisine.

Prezza: Excellent Italian cuisine. One of the best in the North End.
Select Oyster Bar: Top notch seafood restaurant. 

Brookline
Taberna de Haro: Spanish tapas with a huge Spanish wine list, and a compelling Sherry list. Almost every time I'm in the area, I stop by at least for a glass of Sherry.

Burlington
The Bancroft: One of my favorite steakhouses, and a great spot for lunch too.

Feng Shui: Tasty Chinese and Japanese cuisine, with a buffet on the weekends.

Greco: Fast casual Greek spot with tasty Gyros and Loukamades. 

Sichuan Gourmet: Authentic Sichuan cuisine.

Việt Citron: Casual Vietnamese restaurant serving primarily delicious Bahn Mi and Pho. Their Crispy Pork Belly Bahn Mi is excellent. 

Cambridge
Sumiao Hunan Kitchen: Authentic Hunan cuisine and a place to explore Baijiu.
Tampopo: A tiny spot for tasty and inexpensive Japanese cuisine.

Wusong Road: Creative Asian fare with delicious Tiki cocktails. 

Charlestown

Peruvian Taste Restaurant: A casual spot, serving delicious and authentic Peruvian cuisine, including Chifa, a combination of Peruvian and Chinese cuisine. 

Danvers:

Nick & Andy's: One of my favorite Breakfast spots, which very reasonable prices. Love their fresh-baked muffins and hashbrowns, as well as their Chicken & Waffles.

Ipswich

Clam Box of Ipswich: My favorite clam shack on the North Shore, providing such delicious, fresh fried seafood. On Fridays, they often have Fried Lobster Tails, such a decadent treat. 

Malden

All Seasons Table: Excellent Asian cuisine, including sushi.

District Kitchen: Excellent spot for Chinese cuisine, from Soup Dumplings to Dan Dan Noodles. 

Medford
Bistro 5: Delicious Italian cuisine. Lots of special seasonal menus.

Melrose

Fumi Hibachi & Sushi: Excellent take-out spot for delicious sushi, fried rice dishes, and more. Very reasonably priced. 

Liberty Bell Roast Beef: I often dine here, or get take-out, enjoying their tasty roast beef sandwiches or crispy chicken fingers. 

Thai Chili Basil: Tasty takeout Thai spot. Love the Chiangmai Noodles. 

Newton

Farm Grill & Rotisserie: Casual Greek spot with delicious gyros, lamb dishes, and more.

Peabody:

Endless Hibachi & Sushi: All you can eat Sushi, Japanese appetizers and Hibachi. One of the best deals in the area. 

Ithaki: Delicious Greek cuisine and wine.

Pellana Prime Steakhouse: Another of my favorite steakhouses.

Rowley

Agawam Diner: Delicious breakfast, in a great diner vibe, as well as excellent home-made pies. I especially love their cream pies, including Coconut, Banana, and Chocolate.

Salem

Bambolina & Kokeshi: Where else can you find delicious wood-fired pizza and ramen in the same place? Bambolina and Kokeshi are two restaurants, under the same ownership, which also share the same space. 

Saugus

Prince Pizzeria: A 60+ year old pizza restaurant, and probably the place where I've had lunch the most amount of times this past year. I've been dining there since I was a child, and I still love their pizza, meatballs (and new meatball egg rolls!), and other Italian dishes.

Somerville:

Yakitori Totto: Excellent yakitori (grilled meats, seafood, and veggies) as well as other Japanese dishes. So much variety available, and prices are reasonable. 

Stoneham

Ailaa Himalayan Bar: Intriguing and delicious Himalayan cuisine.

Anthony's Italian Specialties: Their sandwiches are tasty and huge, filled with plenty of meat and/or veggies, and the quality of their meat and produce is excellent. One sandwich can feed two people.

Fusion Taste: Tasty Chinese and Japanese cuisine, and a place I regularly get take-out. 

Sturbridge:

B.T.'s Smokehouse: Tasty barbecue spot, and their fried chicken is one of my favorites. Plus, they are a BYOB spot so you can bring your own wine or beer. 

Watertown
Jana Grill: Intriguing Aremenian and Georgian cuisine. Love the Ajarian Khachapuri. 

Wayland

Coach Grill: Another of my favorite steakhouses.

Winchester

Ristorante Lucia: Old-school Italian spot, with superb pizza which doesn't receive anywhere near the amount of recognition that it deserves. 

Ristorante Serena: Formerly of Malden, this Italian restaurant moved to Winchester, and the quality of their food hasn''t lessened a bit.

Woburn

Adega Restaurant: Tasty an authentic Portuguese food.
Gene's Chinese Flatbread Cafe: Tiny Chinese spot with delicious home-made noodles, dumpling soup, and lamb skewers. 

Hahaha Chicken: Casual spot for tasty Korean Fried Chicken. 

Shake Shack: My fast casual burger joint of choice. I usually go to either their Woburn or Burlington locations. 

Surf Seafood: Excellent seafood dishes. Their Portuguese Seafood Stew is amazing.

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Support the Restaurant Industry: The restaurant industry was devastated by this pandemic, especially as the federal government didn't do enough to aid and assist the industry. Some restaurants have closed permanently and others may still be forced to do so in the future. In addition, food and labor costs have increased significantly since then, making restaurants more expensive. We need to support our favorite restaurants as much as we are capable, from buying gift cards to ordering take-out, from getting delivery to tipping well. If you have a positive dining experience, tell your family and friends. Spread the word on social media. Give them your support!

What were some of your Favorite Restaurants this year?

2025: My Top Five Favorite Restaurants & Four New Restaurants

As 2026 approaches, it's time once again to reflect upon the past year, to remember and savor pleasant memories. It's the time for my Annual Year-End Favorite lists, from restaurants to wine. And I'm starting this year with my Top Five Favorite Restaurants of 2025 & Four New Restaurants. 

These end-of-the-year lists should provide a comprehensive summary of my favorites, allowing my readers to more readily locate such gems, the best of my recommendations. I'll note that last year this list included only my Top Four Favorite Restaurants. However, this year, I decided to add one more restaurant, which continues to impress me with its consistent excellence. It's more than worthy of being on this list, but the other four restaurants already on the list remain worthy as well. So, this year, there will be a Top Five list, to accommodate this new Top Favorite.

This list is also in no particular order, and is purely a subjective list, based on my own preferences, and makes no claims about being the "best" of anything. However, all of the restaurants here earn my heartiest recommendation and I hope you'll enjoy them as well, as so many others have done. For more Restaurant reviews, you can just search my blog posts for the past year.

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My Top Five Favorite Restaurants are those exceptional spots which are consistently excellent, offering great food and drink as well as top notch service. These are the five places which first come to my mind when I want a celebratory dinner, or just want a sublime dining experience. They receive my unqualified highest recommendation. These are also the restaurants I most frequently recommend to others when I'm asked for my top restaurants. And those people who then go to these restaurants usually become big fans of these restaurants too.  

Krasi Meze & Wine (Boston)

Part of the Xenia Greek Hospitality group, this Greek restaurant is amazing, where nearly every innovative dish is exceptional. Their menu consists of a wide selection of small plates, perfect for sharing, and offers creative Greek cuisine, with roots in tradition but it's not afraid to experiment. Their Greek wine list, the largest in the country, is superb with so many delicious and interesting options. Service is excellent, and the servers are very knowledgeable of the food and wine. Krasi never disappoints. This past year, I celebrated my Anniversary there, and it proved once again that it's thoroughly worthy of being one of my Top Five restaurants. 

Nightshade Noodle Bar (Lynn)

Offering inventive and delicious French/Vietnamese inspired-cuisine, with their own unique spin, this restaurant offers Tasting Menus, of various number of courses. Their dishes are exceptional, bursting with flavor, and creatively composed. Plus, they have an excellent wine list and cocktail program. I like their homey vibe, service is always excellent, and they have an open kitchen, which I've always loved. Be adventurous with your palate and you'll be amply rewarded. This year, they were also awarded recognition, and duly deserved, by the Michelin Guide. 

A Tavola (Winchester)

This excellent Italian restaurant in Winchester is owned by Chef Joe Carli, who is very talented and personable. His Italian cuisine is as good as anything you'll find in the North End. The restaurant is relatively small and intimate, perfect for date night or a business dinner. Much of the sourcing is from local farms. I especially love their superb home-made pasta dishes, as well as when they have Duck Wings as a special. Their wine list concentrates on Italian wines, and there are many good choices. You also should check out their event list, which includes fun and tasty wine dinners and cocktail classes. Recently, they also introduced a special Pasta tasting menu on Wednesdays, but only for those seated at the chef's counter. 

Il Ponte (Woburn)
Chef Beni Kurti of Il Ponte has brought his deep passion, lengthy culinary experience, and charm to Woburn. It's a homey restaurant, with a casual elegance, and the Italian cuisine is top notch, from home-made pasta dishes to exquisite Neapolitan pizza. During this past year, I've thoroughly enjoyed so many different dishes here, such as the Lamb Lollipop Milanese. Their Swordfish Puttanesca, which is a Special all the time, is amazing, an ample piece of tender and moist Swordfish with a compelling puttanesca sauce. Service is excellent, the servers being genuinely personable and attentive, without being obtrusive. It's consistently superb and every person I've recommended has raved about their own dining experience.  

Row 34 (Burlington)

This year, I've decided to add Row 34 to my Top Favorites, as this seafood restaurant has continued to impress me since it replaced Island Creek Oyster Bar. Fresh seafood, from raw oysters and crudo to lobster rolls and fried clams. Every seafood dish pleases the palate, even something as simple as their delicious Tuna Melt. They have an excellent wine and cocktail program, and service is always top notch too. Whether I want a tasty lunch or a celebratory dinner, Row 34 doesn't disappoint, and is well worthy of being included in my Top Five.

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I want to now address four restaurants, which were "new" to me this year, and impressed me. One of these restaurants recently moved their location, and I hadn't dined there for several years, so I now consider it "new" to me. These four are definitely restaurants I want to dine at again, and which are worthy of a hearty recommendation. 

Karma (Winchester)

This high-end, Asian fusion restaurant is part of a small chain, with locations in Westford, Concord, Burlington, and Andover. Though each restaurant shares much in common with the others, they also have some of their own identity. They have superb Sushi, and many other delicious dishes, from Soup Dumplings to Wagyu Beef. They offer tasty and reasonably priced Lunch specials, a great way to experience their cuisine. 

Posto (Somerville)

Posto recently moved their location from Davis Square to Assembly Row. I hadn't been to the Davis Square location since before the pandemic, so had to check out their new location. And the food was just as delicious as I remembered, which is why it used to be on some of my prior lists of Favorite Restaurants. For example, their Roasted Garlic pizza was amazing, with maybe more garlic than any other pizza I've ever had. Thus, it has earned its space back as one of my Favorites. Posto has also recently opened a second location in the South End.

The Cormorant (Newburyport)

With a diner-like vibe, this small restaurant serves a killer burger and fries. The Brioche type bun was butter grilled, and was soft and flavorful. The large, smashed patties possessed a nice meaty, grilled taste, enhanced by the toppings, which added a touch of smoke and salt, as well as a mild sweetness. A top notch burger! The French Fries were also delectable, with a great salty crispness to them. They also serve alcohol, and I enjoyed their Bourbon and Cream Soda cocktail. They have other appetizers and sandwiches, but the burgers are certainly a star. I can't wait to dine there again.

Sung Kong Restaurant (Malden)

Though I haven't yet reviewed this spot, I plan to in the near future. The restaurant gives me a Chinatown vibe, and it's well known for its Dim Sum, which is available every day. I have enjoyed lunch there several times, and most of the food has been excellent, from the fried rice to the sesame chicken. It's very inexpensive as well, and they provide complimentary hot tea. I still need to check out their Dim Sum, especially as the menu is intriguing.  

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What were some of your Favorite Restaurants this year?

Top Twenty Wines of 2024

As 2025 approaches, it's time once again to reflect upon the past year, to remember and savor pleasant memories. Previously, I posted three of my food-related Favorites lists and it's now time to cover my Top Twenty Wines of 2024. 

This list includes wines that not only I enjoyed, but which I also found to be particularly compelling for various reasons. They might be especially delicious, something more unique or just excellent values for the price. They all stand out, for some particular reason, above the other wines that I've tasted this past year. This list also includes only wines I reviewed on my blog, although I tasted some excellent wines that I didn't write about. Those wines might be mentioned elsewhere in my Favorites lists. 

This is a purely subjective list, based on my own preferences, and makes no claims about being the "best" wines out there. It is primarily the wines which spoke to me the loudest, even when they were subtle wines. These are all wines that I strongly recommend and which I believe many other wine lovers would also enjoy.

The wines are not listed in any particular order and each choice is linked to my more detailed prior review. All of these wines are worth your consideration but please also note that the prices are approximations and the actual price may vary in your area. In addition, some of the wines might not be available in your local region, though you might be able to order them from the winery or an online store, dependent on your state's shipping laws.

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1) 2021 Villa Matilde Fiano di Avellino ($22)

I enjoyed this wine at a wine dinner at A Tavola in Winchester. Made in the Campania region, this wine is made from 100% Fiano, and the vineyards have limestone soils with a top layer of volcanic soil. The wine is aged for about four months in stainless steel, and will age well. It possesses an alluring aroma of citrus and floral notes and on the palate, it's complex, dry, and crisp. You may get notes of apple and lemon, floral notes and hazelnut, as well as a backbone of minerality. A lengthy, pleasing finish completes this well balanced and delicious wine.  

2) 2019 Palladino Langhe Nebbiolo D'Alba ($25)

At the same wine dinner at A Tavola, this was my favorite wine of the night. Fermented in stainless steel, it's then aged in Slavonian oak. It possessed an alluring aroma, a palate of complexity, and epitomized pure deliciousness. Such an intriguing melange of black cherry, raspberries and ripe plum, with hints of violets and mild spice. Restrained tannins, well-balanced, elegant and compelling. This is a wine to slowly savor over the course of an evening, enjoying how it evolves over time. 

3) 2022 C&C Lecareux L'Hydrophobe ($28)
Produced by Domaine Les Capréoles in the Brouilly appellation in Beaujolais, this wine was produced during a rough vintage where hail destroyed much of their vineyard. However, they persevered with what grapes they could save, some of their Gamay vines being over 80 years old. With an intriguing nose of cherries, violets, and subtle spices, on the palate, it was bright, fresh, fruity and complex with silky tannins. A delightful melange of ripe plum, black cherries, hints of forest, a touch of minerality, and even a subtle briny note. Well balanced, good acidity, and a lengthy, pleasing finish. You can easily enjoy this wine on its own, but it also will pair well with a variety of foods, from pizza to burgers. 

4) 2019 Sant'Or Santameriana Orange Wine ($25)
Santameriana is a traditional Greek grape, with a lengthy history, but it was devastated by phyloxera in the first half of the 20th century. Fortunately, a few vines have survived. This wine was made from 100% Santameriana which were fermented with native yeasts. The wine was amphora aged (the amphora being around 200 years old), with 20 days of skin contact. It was also unfined, unfiltered, with a very low level of sulfites, and is vegan. With a 13% ABV, the wine possessed a light orange color, with an intense, complex and intriguing nose of citrus, pear, dried fruits, and tea notes. On the palate, it was medium-bodied and elegant, with good acidity and a minerality streak. The flavors were complex, including orange, pear, honey, and dried fruit, with prominent tannins and a length, satisfying finish. It was also savory, not sweet, with subtle hints of herbs and spices. A fascinating wine which benefited from slowly sipping it over time, allowing it to evolve, presenting different flavors and aromas over time. 

5) 2018 Korak Stare Sorte Amber Wine ($60+)
I purchased this wine while I was in Croatia, and it's probably not available currently in the U.S. The Korak Family Estate is well known for its Sparkling Wines, but it also produces several different skin contact wines. This wine, inspired by "In Search of Lost Time" by Marcel Proust, is an intriguing field blend of grapes, many old vines, including Šipelj, Belina, Plavac Zuti, Rizvanac, Grasevina, Veltliner, Silvanac, and Traminac. The grapes were macerated for about 60 days, natural yeasts were used, there was no added sulfur, and it was only 12% ABV. Only 500 bottles were produced! This was an amazing wine, complex and well balanced, with such a depth of flavor. Tannic, herbal notes, subtle spices, dried fruits, minerality, and much more. Great acidity and a long, lingering finish. Each sip delights the palate, bringing something new with each taste. One of the more unique wines I tasted in Croatia. 

6) 2018 Clai Sv. Jakov Malvazija ($50+)
This was another wine I bought during my last Croatian trip, although it is available in some places in the U.S. This wine was produced from 100% Malvazija, which are certified organic, and the vineyard is about 42 years old. This wine is only bottled in excellent vintages, and the 2016 was the previous vintage bottled before the 2018. The grapes spend two months with skin contact, and later aged for two years in large oak barrels, ending with a 15% ABV. It possesses an alluring and complex aroma, and on the palate, the complexity remained, each sip bringing something new and exciting to my palate. Savory, delicious and compelling, a type of wine which is hard to easily describe. 

7) 2021 FIOL Prosecco DOC Rosé Extra Dry ($22)

I'm not usually a fan of Prosecco but this wine was a stand-out. A Prosecco DOC Rosé must be a blend of Glera and Pinot Nero (10-15%) and undergo a minimum 60-day secondary fermentation in tank (double the time for a “classic” Prosecco). It must also be vintage-dated. This wine was a blend of 85% Glera and 15% Pinot Nero, with an alcohol content of 11% and residual sugar of 13 g/L. The Charmat method was used to produce it. The wine possessed a fine pink color and a pleasant aroma of red fruits with citrus notes. On the palate, it was dry and crisp, with plenty of tiny bubbles and prominent flavors of strawberry and raspberry, with more subtle notes of apple, lemon and peach. It also possessed a fairly long, clean and pleasing finish. It was a well balanced and delicious sparkling wine. A great choice for people seeking a Prosecco which differs from the rest of the crowd. 

8) VOGA Prosecco DOC Still ($15)

Again, I found another interesting Prosecco but this time it wasn't Sparkling. Were you aware that the Prosecco DOC includes Still wines, known as Tranquilo? It's not a style which is commonly available in the U.S. The VOGA Prosecco DOC Still, with a 10.5% ABV, is produced from 100% Glera, which commonly has high acidity and is known for a taste of white peaches. This wine possessed a pleasant nose of citrus, especially pear and melon notes. On the palate, it was light, crisp and dry, with tasty flavors of pear, green apple and a touch of floral notes. It was an easy drinking wine, although it wasn't overly simple. A fine summer wine for patio sipping, or to accompany seafood and light chicken dishes.

9) 2023 Parajes del Valle Bobal Ecologia Rosado ($16-$18)
This Spanish Rosé is made from 100% Bobal, organically grown, from the Manchuelo DOP, in high-elevation vineyards, which average 45 years old, with solids rich in clay and limestone. The Bobal grapes are pressed, without maceration, and fermented with native yeasts in concrete. The wine is then aged in concrete tanks until bottling. With a 12% ABV, the Rosé has a darker pink color with an alluring nose of red fruits with subtle herbal notes. On the palate, it's dry and crisp, with delicious and complex flavors of raspberry, cherry, and strawberries and more subtle citrus and melon flavors. It's also accented with intriguing herbal notes, a touch of minerality, and possesses a lengthy and pleasing finish. An excellent Rosé, it works well on its own during summer weather but also is very food friendly, doing well with seafood. 

10) The 2022 Mersel Red Velvet ($25)
This Lebanese wine is produced from 100% Cinsault, from ten year old organic vines located at Deir El Ahmar in the Bekaa Valley, at an altitude of about 1,200m. With native yeasts, it was fermented in a sealed concrete tank and eventually underwent malolactic fermentation too. The wine was also unfiltered and unfined. Even though it's a red wine, the winery recommends that it be served chilled, as you would a white wine, and I followed their suggestion. With a 13% ABV, the Red Velvet had a pleasant smell of red fruits with a touch of spice, and on the palate, it was light-bodied, dry, and with a hint of spritz. The flavors included strawberry, cherry, cranberry with subtle spice notes. Definitely a nice summer wine, especially with the chill to the wine. Easy drinking, but not overly simple. Would be a good wine with barbecue or even just pizza. 

11) 2016 Cara Nord Trepat ($17)
This Spanish red wine is produced from Trepat, an indigenous grape. This wine was fermented in a stainless steel tank, and then aged for an additional ten months in the tank, seeing no oak aging. With a 12.5% ABV, the wine is a dark red, almost purple color, with a pleasant nose of red fruits and the hint of herbs. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied and complex, with plenty of flavors of cherry, strawberry and ripe plum, with herbal accents and subtle earthy notes. A moderately long and satisfying finish. Interesting and delicious, indicative of the potential of Trepat. This would be an excellent wine with grilled meats or even just pizza. 

12) Bodegas 501 Gades Amontillado Viejisimo VORS Sherry ($50-$65)
This winery no longer exists, so wine could be difficult to find. This is a VORS Amontillado, a wine that must average at least 30 years old, but this wine is likely even older. An Amontillado is a type of sherry which undergoes both biological and oxidative aging. This Amontillado possessed a light amber color, with an alluring aroma. On the palate, it was dry and complex, with harmonious flavors of salted nuts, caramel, mild spices, and a touch of tobacco. It also possessed a lengthy and intriguing finish, providing much pleasure. As I slowly sipped the wine over the course of the evening, the wine evolved in the glass, with other complex flavors seem to peek out at times, making this a wine to savor slowly over time, relishing its fascinating profile. A superb sherry! 

13) 2019 Achados e Perdidos Codega do Larinho Vinho Branco ($12)

An excellent example of a value wine. This Portuguese white wine is made from 100% Côdega do Larinho, a rare, indigenous grape, primarily found in the Douro and Tras-os-Montes regions. It's a pale-skinned grape which is aromatic and floral, with notes of citrus and tropical fruit. It often has low acidity, so tends to be blended with higher acidity grapes. In the past, the grapes were often used in field blends for white Port. The grapes for this wine come from a 100-year old vineyard, which is organically farmed, on black schists soils with some granitic sands. During production, there's minimal skin contact and fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, using native yeasts. The wine, with a 12% ABV, is then aged in the bottle for a year. Despite the grape commonly said to have low acidity, this wine proves exceptions exist. It actually possesses a crisp acidity, a nicely balanced wine, and is a sheer pleasure to drink. Notes of tart lemon, ripe peach and juicy pineapple with a backbone of minerality. A pleasing, lengthy finish.

14) 2022 Troupis Hoof & Lur Moschofilero ($20-$25)
A Greek wine made from 100% Moschofilero, an indigenous grape whose history probably extends back to antiquity. It's a pink-skinned, aromatic white grape, and used in White, Rosé and Sparkling wines. The winery states that this wine is "an homage to the wines native to the high plateau of Mantinia for millennia." The Moschofilero grapes spent three months on the skins, and then were fermented, with wild yeasts, in terra cotta spheres, with stirring of the lees. The wine wasn't fined or filtered, and also is vegan. This is supposed to be the style of wine that their parents and grandparents once enjoyed. The color of this wine is a dark blood orange, the hue from the pink grape skins more than evident. It's much darker than many other amber colored, skin-contact wines. You might almost think it were a light red wine. The aromas are enticing, an intriguing blend of citrus and spice. And on the palate, there's a complex blend of flavors, bright citrus, red berries, spice, and touches of honey. Crisp acidity, moderate tannins, a rich mouthfeel and a lengthy, pleasing finish. Overall, an intriguing and tasty wine which will appeal to adventurous wine lovers.

15) 2021 Chateau Musar Levantine De Musar ($35)

This Lebanese wine is produced from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and Tempranillo. The winery has been growing Tempranillo for about 12 years, having planted it due to the effects of climate change. Another effect is that they now harvest about two weeks earlier than they once did. It took about three months to come up with the name of this wine, and the first vintage was in 2016. This is a small production wine, only about 10% of the production level of the Chateau Musar Jeune Red. This unoaked wine is silky smooth, with low tannins, and delicious flavors of red and black fruit, and subtle spice notes. If you enjoy Spanish reds, you will likely enjoy this wine.  

16) 1997 Chateau Musar Blanc ($80)

This Lebanese white wine is one of the flagship wines of this acclaimed winery. The Blanc is a blend of 75% Obeideh and 25% Merwah, two indigneous grapes from organic vineyards, which are 100-120 years old. This vintage possessed a darker, more amber color, and also possessed a fuller body, than younger vintages. It was elegant and ethereal, with complex, but more subtle flavors of fruit, spice, honey, caramel and herbs. Each sip brought new flavors to mind, and I was mesmerized by the quality of this wine and how well it had aged. It's a wine that must be experienced, and for which words cannot do proper justice. 

17) 1997 Chateau Musar Rouge ($160):

This Lebanese red wine is the other flagship wine of this acclaimed winery. It is produced from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and Carignan (from organic vineyards), which underwent a lengthy fermentation in cement vats before aging in French oak for a year. The wine is then typically released 7 years after the harvest. I enjoyed this wine at a special dinner at Prezza, paired with luscious Lamb Chops. It was an amazing vintage, still with plenty of intriguing fruit flavors and plenty of acidity. It was aromatic and ethereal, complex and intriguing. Another wine that changes over time in the glass, and which will cause you to consider the various flavors that evolve over time. It's another wine that must be experienced, and for which words cannot do proper justice. 

18) 2012 Ippolito 1845 Ripe del Falco Ciro Riserva ($24) 
I ordered this wine at the Sogno Restaurant in Woburn. This Italian wine, from the Calabrian region, is produced from 100% Gaglioppo grapes from a 40+ year old vineyard. I found it to be complex and interesting, with an intense aroma and a pleasing taste of red and black fruits, spice notes and some subtle herbal notes. Good acidity, restrained tannins and a lengthy and satisfying finish. It was an excellent food wine and I'll be seeking out this wine to purchase at retail. 

19) 2022 Thymiopoulos Xinomavro Young Vines ($20). 

This Greek wine is produced from 100% Xynomavro, an indigenous grape whose name roughly translates as "acid-black." Xinomavro is the second most planted red grape in Greece. The grape is most often compared to Nebbiolo (and sometimes Burgundy), and tends to possess strong tannins and high acidity, meaning it also can age very well. As the wine ages, it starts to lose its red fruit flavors and begins to acquire savory notes, especially tomato and olive. This wine presented delicious juicy red fruit flavors, accented by good acidity, a subtle earthiness, and some herbal notes. Fresh and bright, it's a fine summery red wine, and pairs well with a variety of foods.

20) 2017 Bocale Montefalco Sagrantino ($35-$40)
I enjoyed this wine at Il Ponte in Woburn. This Italian wine is produced from Sagrantino, an indigenous grape in the Umbrian region. It's considered to be one of the most tannic grapes. It possesses an alluring aroma, and on the palate it's complex and intriguing, with prominent tannins, which still are restrained so they don't overpower. Black and blue fruit notes, some floral elements, and a mineral backbone. Some spices notes, a touch of almost chocolate, and a lengthy, pleasing finish. Well balanced and delicious. An excellent food wine, especially with a steak or another hearty dish, like a meaty ragu. 

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Seven countries made the list this year, with Italy in first place, occupying six spots on the list. Lebanon is in second place with four spots and Greece and Spain are tied for third place, each occupying three spots on the list. In fourth place was Croatia with 2 wines and with a single spot each on the list, there's Portugal and France. As for wine types, the list is also broken down into 1 Sparkling, 1 Rosé,  4 Whites, 9 Reds, 4 Amber, and 1 Fortified Wines. 

I have other wine recommendations on my blog and you just have to search for them. If you have some of your own recommendations for excellent wines you've enjoyed in 2024, please add them to the comments.