daily wine picks

Less than $15

Feb. 20, 1999: LOUIS M. MARTINI Chardonnay North Coast 1997 (86 points, $10)

Here's a very good value-oriented California Chardonnay that should be easy to find. Refreshing, with crisp lemon and tangerine flavors and just a hint of oak. Drink now. 17,000 cases made.

Feb. 19, 1999: REDBANK Chardonnay Victoria 1997 (90 points, $9)

This Australian Chardonnay is crisp and juicy. A lively wine, with layers of vibrant apple, nectarine, passion fruit and floral flavors that last on the gentle finish. Wonderful now, while it's fresh. Drink now through 2001. 30,000 cases made.

Feb. 18, 1999: ESTANCIA Chardonnay Monterey County Pinnacles 1996 (88 points, $11)

Here's a California Chardonnay that delivers lots of bang for the buck. Ultraripe, with lots of pear, fig and tropical fruit flavor, turning smooth and polished, with a pretty dash of toasty oak. Drink now. 100,000 cases made.

Feb. 12, 1999: MCGUIGAN Shiraz South Eastern Australia Bin 1998 (89 points, $10)

This Australian Shiraz is bright, focused and jazzy, with lots of blueberry, blackberry and spice flavors that enlarge and linger on the yummy finish. Drink now through 2001. 12,000 cases made.

Feb. 10, 1999: ETCHART Torrontes Cafayate 1997 (85 points, $9)

Almost Alsace-like, with a good dose of acidity and delicious flavors of apple, white currant, grapefruit and melon. This is a solid and intriguing Argentinean white wine from an uncommon grape. Drink now. 165,000 cases made.