The Omaha
DECEMBER 2024
Event Report:
An Evening at V. Mertz October Stag
IWFS Rhine Cruise: Cologne Cathedral
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IWFS Rhine Cruise: Cologne Cathedral
Written by Tom Murnan, Photos by Tom Murnan
What’s New
Cologne Cathedral Saturday 8/24/2024. Cologne was an important city in Roman times. In medieval times, there were about 30 churches. But when the relics of the Three Magi, who were mentioned in Matthew’s Gospel, were moved to Cologne in the 12th century, it was felt that a cathedral of unparalleled beauty would have to be built to house the relics. Building began in 1250, but it would take 6 centuries before the edifice was completed. The architect of the cathedral is unknown. Legend has it that a struggling architect almost sold his soul to the devil to get the job. The devil drew up the plans but once the devil placed the plans in his hand, the architect pulled out a relic of the true cross to drive him away. The devil was furious and cursed him by saying the architect would enjoy no fame. The Cathedral took over 600 years to complete. It was completed in 1888, still using the original plans. In the late 19th century, steel was used which may have saved it in World War II. All the windows had been removed to a salt mine when the war started. The Allied forces tried not to destroy it during bombing runs because it was a high cultural site, and because its steeple height guided the bombers for other targets in the city. Even so, one bomb made it into the church, but it did not explode. The bomb is still there. Photos from WWII show the windows gone, and some damage, but the structure survived.
Cologne Cathedral
Reliquary of the 3 Magi
The saddest words on Christmas Eve: “Batteries not included.” Best of the Cockle Bur compiled & edited by
Event Report: An Evening at V. Mertz October Stag
Written & Photos by Tom Murnan
What a delightful and educational evening we had at V. Mertz. All the quaffing wines came from host Tad Singer’s cellar, and there were many top-drawer wines to taste. Then, all the wines came from V. Mertz. Advanced Sommelier Matt Brown had complete control of the dinner wines, and we had some unusual pairings. Of course, we had a vinous education to go along with the selections. Perhaps the Clos Mogador”Nelin” Priorat Blanco 2021 was the rarest and most difficult to get. We usually associate Spain’s Priorat region with Cava or red wines. But this was a white made of 50% Garnacha Blanca and Macabeo, with the other half coming from 8 native varietals. It tasted like what a white Chateauneufdu-Pape might taste, only closer to the Atlantic Ocean. Only 256 cases were shipped to the USA, but only one to Nebraska. It was a spot-on match to the Grilled Langoustines and Scallop Nage (nage is a seasoned liquid from which seafood was cooked, then a sauce made of the liquid).
Elvio Cogno “Ravera” Barolo Nebbiolo 2014 was next with Handmade Tajarin Pasta, Brown Butter, Black Truffle and Crispy Sage. The Nebbiolo grapes were planted ⅔ of the way up the Hill of Novello, a great terroir to grow the grape, it was a good year for Barolo, which had a lot of tannin and acidity, ameliorated by the brown butter and truffles. With the Venison we had wine from the Californian Sierra Foothills, east of Sacramento, where the 1849 Gold Rush originated. They also have vinous gold in them there hills. Domaine de la Terre Rouge is one of the premiere estates in Amador County, making Rhône varietals, in this case Syrah from the “Ascent” vineyard which has old vines. Matt thinks someday they will make a 100-point wine, so well do they process Syrah. The wine was concentrated with black pepper notes. Lopez de Heredia “Vina Tondonia” Rioja
2011 was the second Venison wine is from the heart of Rioja, Spain. Interestingly, they only use Missouri oak and have their own cooperage. Some of the oak is 147 years old. They do not release a wine until it is ready. Talk about tying up your money! The 2011 is a baby. Tempranillo is the grape. Very well balanced. Tasty.
Highlighting the difference between Napa and Bordeaux, we had Wagyu tenderloin, Crispy Polenta, Braised Greens and Black Peppercorn Brandy Cream Sauce as the background. Roy Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 is a small estate in the Stags Leap District and has a valley within a valley. A creek goes down the middle, making for a Right Bank / Left Bank situation à la Bordeaux. One side has volcanic soil and has smaller vines that give low yield grapes both powerful and tannic. The other side has loamy soil that supports bigger and stronger vines and more profound and generous wine. Our Bordeaux was Château Langola Barton 2016 from St. Julien. Matt was present in Bordeaux for the 2016 harvest. The Barton family purchased the winery in 1817. It is a great value wine in Bordeaux.
Niepoort 20-year-old Tawny Port. Dessert found us eating German Chocolate Cake with Brown Butter Ice Cream. Niepoort is one of the most classic examples of tawny port. It matched especially well with the brown butter in the ice cream. As an unexpected surprise, we were treated with Elijah Craig Toasted Barrel Bourbon from Tad’s cellar. Many thanks to Matt Brown, Executive Chef Jonathan Miller, Pastry Chef Thien Nguyen, Sommeliers David Eckler, Johnna Marr and Charles Ludwig for a great meal and service. And a toast to Tad Singer for the quaffing wines and ending Bourbon!
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