THE QUIET RETURN OF DR. GONZO (PRESENTING HIS UP-AND-DOWN-AND-ALL-AROUND ORCHESTRA)

The covert and blitzkrieg return of Dr. Gonzo and his six demon bag rolled in with assorted wines from the world over:

Straccali Chianti DOCG 2008. Grade=Average. This is a fairly mediocre Chianti, not bad for the price, but just pedestrian cherry fruit and a dry finish.

Rocca della Macie Rubizzo 2006. Grade=Average. This Sangiovese-based “super-Tuscan” is okay with dried cherry and autumn leaves, with a slight hint of pimento.

Cupcake Red Velvet California 2009. Grade=Outstanding. Juicy, jammy red with lots of sweet black and blue fruit characters, some nice baking spices and a bit of black cherry compote. Finishes with some sweet spices.

Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2005. Grade=Amazing. Rich, dense and concentrated, this robust Tempranillo-based blend shows off supple black cherry and black currant notes, some cedar and dusty earthy tones, and some leather, tobacco and toasted oak on the finish.

Rocca della Macie Chianti Classico 2007. Grade=Outstanding. Pretty nice Sangiovese driven red with mint, cherry, blackberry, black tea and slight oak notes.

Rocca della Macie Chianti Classico Riserva 2005. Grade=Outstanding. Robust and rich with dark cherry and blackberry fruit aromas and flavors, some white pepper, truffle oil, olive tapenade, eucalyptus, and spice notes, and a smooth, velvety finish.

Straccali Chianti Classico 2007. Grade=Average. Pales in comparison to the Rocca della Macie, this is lighter, thinner, and showing rather anemic red berry fruit. Okay, but has stiff competition out there.

Rocca della Macie Sasyr 2007. Grade=Outstanding. This is an interesting Sangiovese/Syrah blend, showing off a lot of red berry, black pepper, blueberry and rhubarb characters on top of the dried cherry and mint underpinnings of the Sangiovese. Finishes with nice grip and plush fruit.