daily wine picks

Less than $15

Apr. 27, 2000: BRIDGEVIEW Riesling Oregon Blue Moon NV (85 points, $7)

This Oregon winery delivers good value in several varieties -- this time with a softly sweet Riesling, offering pretty apple and spice flavors and a touch of honey on the round finish. Drink now. 30,000 cases made. —Harvey Steiman

Apr. 25, 2000: GROVE STREET Syrah California Baker 1998 (85 points, $9)

A lip-smacking California Syrah at an affordable price. Straightforward in style, serving up intense, tangy raspberry flavors and a hint of pepper. Drink now through 2004. 7,500 cases made. —James Laube

Apr. 21, 2000: SIMONSIG Pinotage Stellenbosch 2000 (89 points, $13)

This has lovely purity of flavors, showing violet, raspberry, cherry and spice, with just a hint of gaminess stealing its virtue. Elegant and persistent in flavor right through to the long finish. Drink now through 2003. 8,000 cases made. —Bruce Sanderson

Apr. 19, 2000: FARALLON Chardonnay North Coast 1998 (85 points, $10)

This tasty California Chardonnay is wallet-friendly too, with vanilla, butter, ripe pear and coconut flavors with good concentration and length. Drink now through 2001. 32,000 cases made. —James Laube

Apr. 18, 2000: PEPPERWOOD GROVE Syrah California 1998 (86 points, $7)

A great value for Syrah lovers, this young red delivers spicy black cherry and pepper notes mingled with pleasant earthy flavors and soft tannins. Drink now through 2004. 5,500 cases made. —James Laube