Reviews of wines that don't need their own post, but are worth noting for one reason or another. Look for it on the final Friday of each month. This month, a special all red wines edition.
• Bonny Doon Contra 2009 ($14, sample): This Rhone blend is not exactly an upscale version of the old Big House Red, but it's close enough. Lots of spice and fruit, though it does need food.
• William Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 ($23, sample): A surprisingly well done and balanced Napa cabernet that is more or less affordable. It's a step up from more inexpensive cabernets like Avalon and 337, with more body and structure.
• Georges Dubœuf Beaujolais Nouveau 2010 ($8, purchased): Ripe bananas on the nose and a very thin and acidic body. Yet another in a long line of disappointing Nouveaus.
• 181 Merlot 2008 ($15, sample): A merlot from the same company that does the 337 cabernet sauvignon. Offers structure and substance for less than $25, which doesn't happen often. On the other hand, the tasting notes compare Lodi, where the grapes are from, to merlot's Garden of Eden in Pomerol, which is a bit much.
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