DR. GONZO RESURRECTS THE GREAT RED SHARK: WHAT HAPPENS IN COVINGTON, ENDS UP ON THE CHANNEL 9 6 O’CLOCK NEWS

The adventures of Dr. Gonzo continue with his arrival last Wednesday with our new Palm Bay area sales manager Tommy Johnston, bringing in some favorites from their portfolio, old and new:

Blue Fish Riesling Pfalz 2008. Grade=Outstanding. Very nice, medium-dry style with some apricot and Rainier cherry notes. Hints of white flowers and mineral resonate throughout.

Cailla Torrontes San Juan 2008. Grade=Outstanding. Medium-bodied and a bit more viscous than most Torrontes, with less emphasis on honeysuckle aromas and more emphasis on rich, ripe peaches and apricots. A slight hint of mineral keeps it tethered in the arena of refreshing white wines, as it finishes nice and dry.

Cailla Malbec San Juan 2008. Grade=Outstanding. A splashy, ripe Malbec with soft blueberry, dark plums, a bit of cedar smoke, some cinnamon and white pepper and a slightly earthy, blueberry jam finish. Tasty!

Montgras Carmenere Colchagua Valley 2008. Grade=Outstanding. I would argue that this is what affordable Carmenere should taste like: medium-bodied, rich black and blue fruits, some spices and splashes of oak, with no bell pepper aftertaste like many of its peers. A good, solid, inexpensive red.

Santa Rita Carmenere Reserva 2008. Grade=Outstanding. Looking more toward Bordeaux for its inspirations, the bell pepper is present, but blows off after a bit of time in the glass. Still possesses nice black and blue fruits, some spice box, light chocolate and mineral.

Rocca dell Macie Chianti Classico DOCG 2007. Grade=Outstanding+. Haven’t tried this wine in years – wrote it off as Olive Garden plonk. I was more than surprised when I tasted the old world allure that is classic Chianti Classico, with bright cherries, wet stones, black truffles, white pepper, and black olives. Finishes long and dry.

Blue Fish Sweet Riesling Pfalz 2009. Grade=Outstanding. Remarkably, I am pleased to try a Sweet Riesling that isn’t saccharine-sweet. This white shows off a bit of peach marmalade with some honeysuckle, dried apricots, orange blossom, and a tiny bit of lime zest. Good value.