THE FLAVORS OF THREE CONTINENTS: DR. GONZO VS. THE DEUCE (THE CONTINUING SAGA)

Dr. Gonzo, in all his #WineWednesday fury, unleashes agents of the Clos du Val portfolio:

Taltarni Brut Tache Australia NV.  Grade=Good.  Good effervescence, toasty apple and lightly toasted brioche.  Finishes a bit flat though.

Kato Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2010.  Grade=Very Good.  Nice gooseberry, passionfruit and cilantro notes, light-bodied with decent acidity.

Clos du Val Chardonnay Napa Valley 2009.  Grade=Very Good.  Quite oaky, with decent stone fruit aromas and flavors, a hint of buttered popcorn and caramel.

Clos du Val Pinot Noir Napa Valley 2008.  Grade=Average.  A bit dusty, earthy with minimal fruit.  Plays at being Burgundian, but there is just something missing.  I like it, but a bit pricey considering.

Clos du Val Merlot Napa Valley 2008.  Grade=Average.  Lots of blue fruit in the nose, but devolves into something more monochromatic across the palate.  Leaves me wanting.

Clos du Val Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2008.  Grade=Above Average.  Has good grip, nice presence of black fruits and spices, but I just expect a lot more power out of Clos du Val than I get here.

Taltarni Three Monks Cabernet Merlot Victoria 2007.  Grade=Outstanding.  Very cool blue fruits, cloves, white chocolate, a touch of Oreo cookies, mint, cedar smoke, graphite and wild flowers.  I really like this wine.

Domaine de Nizas Le Mas Pays d’Oc 2009.  Grade=Very Good.  Cab/Syrah blend.  Medium-bodied, fruity with lots of garrigue.  A good everyday red.

Domaine de Nizas Coteaux du Languedoc Rouge 2007.  Grade=Very Good.  Previous vintages have left me a bit spoiled with their covertly powerful dark fruits and spice; this one was good, but came across quite shy.  I am assuming this needs a bit of time in the bottle.