daily wine picks

Less than $15

Apr. 14, 2012: CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE Chardonnay Columbia Valley 2010 (87 points, $13)

Light, polished and creamy, with a tangy greengage plum edge to the pear and cream flavors. Drink now. 510,000 cases made. —Harvey Steiman

Apr. 13, 2012: EXCELSIOR Syrah Robertson 2010 (85 points, $10)

Friendly plum and cherry jam notes are offset by a flash of white pepper. Soft, silky finish. Drink now. 4,000 cases imported. —James Molesworth

Apr. 12, 2012: KIRKLAND SIGNATURE Zinfandel Amador County Grandmère Old Vine 2009 (86 points, $11)

Soft and jammy, with notes of cherry pie, white pepper and dried sage. Drink now through 2016. 20,000 cases made. —Tim Fish

Apr. 10, 2012: FOUR VINES Zinfandel California OVC Old Vine Cuvee 2009 (85 points, $12)

Aromas of fresh spice and sweet-and-sour cherry lead to briary flavors of dried plum and bell pepper. Drink now. 50,000 cases made. —Tim Fish

Apr. 09, 2012: MARANO Salento Barocco 2009 (87 points, $9)

An expressive red, with notes of underbrush, sanguineness and cigar box highlighting the crushed cherry and raspberry notes that linger on the minerally finish. Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera. Drink now. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 35,000 cases made. —Nathan Wesley