daily wine picks

Less than $15

Jan. 08, 2000: CHÂTEAU PUYGUERAUD Côtes de Francs (88 points, $10)

Owned by the famous Pomerol estate of Vieux-Chateau-Certan, Puygueraud produced one of the best values in the generally weaker '97 vintage. Well done. Good dark color, with intense violet and berry aromas. Medium- to full-bodied, with polished tannins and —James Suckling

Jan. 05, 2000: SHEPHERDS RIDGE Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 1999 (90 points, $12)

This New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc is bright, jazzy and yummy, with passion fruit, citrus and pear aromas and flavors on a racy frame. Lean, lithe and exciting to sip now. Drink now. 12,000 cases made. —Harvey Steiman

Dec. 28, 1999: WOLF BLASS Shiraz South Australia (87 points, $12)

Here's a typical example of how Aussie Shiraz can offer lots of bang for the buck. Soft and aromatic, a generous mouthful of anise-scented berry, black cherry and prune flavors that linger on the supple finish. Drink now through 2007. Should be easy to fi

Dec. 20, 1999: WOLF BLASS Chardonnay South Australia 1999 (85 points, $12)

From one of Australia's better-known wineries comes this solid value. It's bright and fruity, offering pretty apple and pear notes on a lively frame. Drink now. 25,000 cases made. —Harvey Steiman

Dec. 18, 1999: TORRES Penedès Gran Sangre de Toro Reserva 1995 (86 points, $11)

From one of Spain's most venerable and well-known wineries comes this solid value-oriented offering. Made from Garnacha (Grenache), this fleshy red shows good varietal character, with berry, black pepper and herbal flavors, vivid and well defined. Not a m —Thomas Matthews