daily wine picks

Less than $15

Jun. 06, 2001: WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE Chardonnay Coonawarra 2000 (89 points, $11)

This Australian Chardonnay is ripe and pure in character, with lovely pear, quince and cream aromas and flavors, its fruit echoing on the open-textured finish. Really nice bottle for the price. Drink now through 2004. 25,981 cases made. —Harvey Steiman

Jun. 04, 2001: MCGUIGAN Chardonnay Hunter Valley Bin 7000 2000 (86 points, $10)

Soft and generous, this affordable Chardonnay delivers a lively, mouthfilling medley of peach, apple and spice flavors, which linger nicely on the harmonious finish. Drink now. 160,000 cases made. —Harvey Steiman

May. 31, 2001: WOLF BLASS Riesling South Australia Gold Label 2000 (91 points, $12)

Wonderfully aromatic Riesling, its glorious noseful of apricot and floral notes segueing into off-dry flavors that center around lime and apple, with mineral and peppery-floral overtones. Tempting now, but should develop more depth and texture with age. B —Harvey Steiman

May. 28, 2001: ALICE WHITE Chardonnay South Eastern Australia 2000 (85 points, $7)

This young Aussie Chardonnay is ripe in flavor, with apricot, pear and citrus flavors mingling appealingly on a soft structure. You'll have to go a long way to find a better deal than this. Drink now. 79,355 cases made. —Harvey Steiman

May. 25, 2001: BUENA VISTA Sauvignon Blanc California 2000 (85 points, $8)

This California Sauvignon Blanc has fig, anise, grass and citrus flavors that are tied together by tangy acidity. Easy to find and sold for a price that's easy to swallow. Drink now through 2003. 147,000 cases made. —James Laube