Dear elected officials: If you continue killing our business community, who will support the bloated state government roster and all the stuff you give away to garner votes? Will our battered bar benefactors, restricted/repressed restaurants and financially mugged Mom-and-Pops be able to continue the torrid pace of donations to local arts and charities they have so readily and openhandedly provided in recent years? Fortunately, the real estate boom and its attendant transfer taxes have pulled our county and local budgets’ chestnuts from the fire. Is it possible 2021 can continue this trend? If there is, heaven forbid, a pronounced uptick of COVID-19 in Cape’s school system, will Bob and the school board be liable during the next election for decisions to remain open, possibly endangering a large swath of the public? These are questions that occurred as my panel was sampling for this week’s column.
One of my Christmas gifts this year was a selection of Nik Weis Mosel Rieslings. Marguerite purchased them at Bluecoast during that terrific program sponsored by SoDel in early December. SoDel donated 100 percent of sales to its philanthropic arm, SoDel Cares. For those who made a killing in real estate or the stock market and wish to share, go to sodelcares.com. Many other local businesses are continuing their generosity. Considering the draconian C-19 measures that have been imposed, I find that quite remarkable. Please support all these folks by shopping locally, dining out, or using their online and in-store opportunities.
St. Urbans-Hof Goldtropfchen Spatlese 2013 was lovely. Don’t be a Steve Martin and look for the “new stuff.” Most well-made Mosel Riesling are created for the long haul. Look for a creamy slate mineral palate with firm structure and bright acidity offset by just a touch of sweetness. Very long, palate-cleansing finish, 89 McD points. Served with roast sea bass and an oriental garlic glaze. The St. Urbans-Hof Ockfener Bockstein Riesling Spatlese 2013 was also lovely. Unfortunately, I could not locate any more of the vintage locally. The 2013, ‘14 @ $36 and 16 @ $30 are 91 McD. Best recent is the 2012 if you can locate some. The 2016 is a very good buy for patient cellarers. The third selection was their Goldtropfchen Auslese 2015. Since the recommendation is 2025-40, I placed it on the shelf of honor and said a little prayer that I would be able to enjoy it 10 years out. I’ll let ya know. FYI, German wine labels are very informative. Some find them daunting; others don’t care, more’s the pity. Relatively speaking, informed people can find the absolute best bargains on properly aged, ready-to-drink wine with wonderful quality-price ratios in the German categories. Those with time on their hands and interest may wish to read this very informative, easy-to-read descriptive piece: www.thespruceeats.com/riesling-wine-rules-3511248. Don’t be put off by the big words; use your phonetics. Most German sounds and reads just as it looks. Trock en beer en aus lesen (laysen) is an example.
Those looking for something to occupy their time may wish to visit some of Delaware’s wineries, breweries and distilleries. We have several in Delaware, and this website will locate them for you: visitdelaware.com/beer-wine-spirits-trail/breweries-wineries-distilleries. Bear in mind that some may be on a restricted schedule for visitation and tastings. The info page provides phone numbers, so call ahead.
Let’s finish with Taylor Fladgate 20-Year-Old Tawny Port, 92 McD under $45. Lovely bouquet of caramel, chocolate, walnut and pie spice. The palate is complex with plums, chocolate and 20 percent alcohol lift. On the close, look for a potpourri of herbs, more plum, hints of tobacco, and a repeat of the opening spices though a long finish. Goes great with creme caramel, tiramisu, or a fruit and nut bowl in front of a warm fire. Try not to doze off. Those new to Tawny may wish to start with their 10-year-old, 90 McD under $27. Both are available in Delaware stores. Tawnies are non-vintage. The best of them have very similar profiles with each producer because they are blended to be congruent. Next week I plan on providing more detail on Port. It’s been a while.
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Email John at chjonmc@yahoo.com.
