By G.M. “Pooch Pucilowski

Jewel Winery in Lodi is making a great offer: Buy its 1-liter jug wine, SR (short for Saturday Red), for just $7.99, then bring the empty bottle back for a refill for only $6.49. The wine is a blend of three grapes grown in Lodi: Zinfandel, Carignane and Merlot. It has a good balance of fruit and tannins, with a slightly spicy nose. Note: The blend may change from month to month. It’s available only in Jewel’s tasting room on the third Saturday of each month.

Another couple of wines from the Lodi area that represent good values are from Talus Collection. The 2003 California Chardonnay ($7.99) has a light golden color, a green-apple/vanilla nose and a soft but lively finish. The 2002 Lodi Shiraz ($7.99) has a bright burgundy color. The nose reminds me of dry rose petals with a hint of berry.

A few others to try: Dillian Winery’s 2002 Amador Zinfandel ($22) has raspberry fruit with hints of coffee and plum and a nice layer of jamminess for an overall richness. Its 2002 Amador Syrah ($16) is a blend of cranberry/spice, with slight smokiness and good flavors of berry and oak.

Hogue Cellars 2002 Columbia Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($10): A brick-red color entices you to sample this wine. It has a cranberry nose with hints of figs and vanilla, and a taste of caramel and chocolate, with a long finish.

Barton & Guestier (B&G) 2002 Châteauneuf-du-Pape ($18): This French red wine has a reddish-orange color that is pretty typical for this style of wine. It’s a full-flavored wine with a hint of licorice