daily wine picks

Less than $15

Apr. 10, 1999: HESS SELECT Chardonnay California (84 points, $10)

Here's an inexpensive California Chardonnay that should also be easy to find. Soft, with creamy citrus and spice flavors finishing simple. Drink now.

Apr. 09, 1999: KING ESTATE Pinot Gris Oregon Reserve (90 points, $13)

This Pinot Gris is smooth, round and generous, with lovely melon, spicy pear and caramel flavors that linger beautifully. Drink now. 45,000 cases made.

Apr. 08, 1999: CONCHA Y TORO Chardonnay Casablanca Valley Trio 1997 (86 points, $9)

This vibrant white shows assertive tropical fruit, ginger and nutmeg flavors, with fresh acidity and toasty oak. A bit exaggerated, perhaps, but a nice match with fusion fish dishes. Drink now through 2001.

Apr. 05, 1999: LES COSTIERES DE POMEROLS Coteaux du Languedoc Picpoul de Pinet Domaine St.-Peyre 1997 (84 points, $8)

From the Picpoul de Pinet subappellation of France's burgeoning Languedoc-Roussillon region comes this crisp and lively white, with pretty flavors of green plum, pepper and honeydew melon. This wine has a nice backbone of acidity and a good, clean finish.

Apr. 03, 1999: MONTGRAS Cabernet Sauvignon Colchagua Valley Reserva 1997 (88 points, $11)

Ripe cherry and sweet vanilla flavors give this plush Chilean Cab an immediate appeal. It's round and balanced, with firm tannins under the baby fat, and has enough depth to improve in the bottle. Drink now through 2005.