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.
? Falesco Est! Est!! Est!!! 2011 ($10, purchased, 12.5%): Not as bright and friendly as the previous vintage, but with white fruit (pear?) and nothing wrong with it. Simple, every day, well-made Italian table wine from one of my favorite producers.
? Casillero del Diablo Reserve Malbec 2011 ($12, sample, 13.5%): Chilean red is less showy than similarly priced Argentine malbecs, with more going on than just the black fruit. Lots of vanilla (almost too much), and even some spice and earthiness. I don’t know that I would buy it, but I would drink it without making a fuss.
? Duchman Trebbiano 2010 ($11, purchased, 12.2%): Nicely done Texas white, though it needs food. Lots of acid, some lemon fruit, and a short if noticeable finish. Very limited availability.
? Herdade do Espor o Monte Velho 2010 ($8, sample, 13.5%): Portuguese red tastes more like table wine than port, always a challenge for the country ?s winemakers. It ?s a value at this price, but not for all tastes — heavy, almost ashy, with black fruit that dominates.