Deep Sea Red 2008 should have rated better
Barbara and I spent an afternoon with the candidates this past Sunday, thanks to long time friends Bob and Priscilla. They threw a lovely party that was very instructive. Frequent readers know that I favor conservative pols. Wade, Kovach (Kotch) and Urquhart fill that bill. Each gave a brief presentation.
I found them to be very representative of the conservative profile. Those who think 35 years in Washington, D.C. is far too long should give heed to Wade’s message. No vitriol, just a factual set of solid conservative plans. Kovach made the point he was elected in New Castle by a wide (15 percent) margin. He may be our last chance to wrest our only House seat from Minnerman. Urquhart had some very interesting ideas concerning bringing well paying jobs to Sussex County, thereby encouraging our young people to stay in the area. I also learned from his presentation that lower Delaware has risen to second place, behind only Florida, in aged population. In addition to many retiring here, our "utes” are leaving to find decent paying jobs.
Deep Sea Red 2008, from Conway Family Wines was a very delicious Syrah (75 percent) blend that has won quite a few awards. I took one look at the very dark, purple color and decided to decant. The wine opened nicely and a lovely bouquet of black berries, currants, hints of roses and herbs plus a touch of oak led into a mouthful of chewy tannins, cola, and a hint of violets riding a nice acid frame into a decent finish with some coffee and tart cherry notes. A very big syrah, but I served it with shrimp and chorizo in a red enchilada sauce with jalapenos, chipoltles, serranos, garlic and fresh thyme. This is a 90-point wine that many misread and should have rated better. You should be able to buy it under $225/case or $22/bottle and your friendly wine store pal can eat also.
Conway offers a couple of chards, a sauvignon blanc, a very pretty rosé named Sea Flower and my fav, the Central Coast Viognier 2008, that was white-gold color. It opened to a floral nose with hints of pear peach, anisette and minerals. On the palate, mouth coating body, pear notes and just the proper amount of acidity to carry the lot; 89 points under $25. The 2009 are not a substitute.
Jos. Phelps Insignia 2009 is not a deal at $169. Very nice wine, I rate it 94, but you are buying the label. Chappellet Pritchard Hill 2007 can be had for $135 and is 96 points, but my pick at that price range is the 2007 or '08 Tor Kenmor, Beckstoffer To Kalon, both around $150. The 2007 are just coming into their drinking window. Deep ruby, huge bouquet of plum, currants, tobacco, licorice, anise and cedar. As new wine the tannins were sweet and the fruit masked the alcohol, oak and tannins. The 2007 should rival the 2006, which were world class, and rivaled the best from Bordeaux. Should cellar 20 years.
Finally a little, out of the ordinary, wine from Austria named Blaufrankish (blowww-frahnk-ish). They usually have aromas of dark ripe cherries and dark berries, are spicy, have medium tannins and good acidity. According to Asimov, NYT “Most are beautifully balanced, with smoky, spicy fruit flavors, winning textures and a rippling acidity that made them seem juicy, savory and refreshing.” I found one named Rosi Schuster Blaufrankisch 2009 priced under $200/case or $17 by the bottle. It reminded me of a blend of Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc. I thought it very refreshing and a good summertime food wine.
Well ladies and gents, it’s time to sign off. I do wish to remind all that the elections are rapidly approaching. Please search diligently for the truth and vote intelligently. I’m hoping that we get a much better turnout than in the past. This election may be the seminal event for the second half of U.S. history. God bless us all.
