daily wine picks

Less than $15

Feb. 03, 2000: J. & F. LURTON Minervois Château La Plaine St.-Pierre 1997 (85 points, $10)

From Bordeaux-based negociant J. & F. Lurton comes this offering from France's Languedoc region. Focused and plummy, with plenty of minerally notes and dried herb flavors on the finish. A clean, vibrant red. Drink now. 2,500 cases made. —Kim Marcus

Feb. 02, 2000: SEIFRIED Sauvignon Blanc Nelson (85 points, $13)

A New Zealand Sauvignon that—s well-priced and available in ample quantity. Light and bright, with fresh apple and sweet pea flavors on a modest scale. Drink now. 10,000 cases made. —Harvey Steiman

Jan. 24, 2000: CAVES ALIANÇA Trás-Os-Montes Terra Boa 1998 (84 points, $6)

From a little-known appellation in the mountains of northeast Portugal comes this excellent red wine value. Juicy and jammy-tasting, with fresh berry and pepper flavors that linger on the finish along with warm brickish notes. Drink now. 35,000 cases made —Kim Marcus

Jan. 22, 2000: MARKHAM Sauvignon Blanc (85 points, $10)

Markham was sold to Japan's largest winemaker, the Mercian Corporation, in 1988, and an extensive remodeling of the facility was done. Despite the change, Markham has nonetheless been producing consistently very good Cabernet, Merlot and Sauvignon since t —Harvey Steiman

Jan. 18, 2000: DRY CREEK Fumé Blanc (87 points, $12)

In 1972, Dry Creek became the first winery to be built in the Dry Creek Valley since the end of Prohibition. Owner David Stare was one of the first, along with Robert Mondavi, to champion Sauvignon Blanc as a serious varietal in California. His '98 Sauvig —Harvey Steiman