daily wine picks

$15 to $30

May. 18, 2013: ARGIOLAS Nuragus di Cagliari S'elegas 2011 (89 points, $16)

Ripe melon, lemon curd and vanilla notes mix in this zesty white. Rich in character and fresh on the palate, this finishes with a lingering aftertaste of licorice snap and fruit. Drink now. 17,500 cases made. —Nathan Wesley

May. 17, 2013: CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE Chardonnay Horse Heaven Hills Canoe Ridge Estate 2010 (91 points, $22)

Smooth and round, wrapping the pear and pineapple fruit in a veil of honeycomb flavor, lingering gently and evocatively. Drink now through 2016. 5,300 cases made. —Harvey Steiman

May. 16, 2013: REAL COMPANHIA VELHA Douro Quinta dos Aciprestes 2009 (91 points, $18)

Mocha and baker's chocolate are the dominant flavors in this muscular red, which offers focused accents of hot stone, with Bourbon vanilla notes, that have a creamy allure. The plush finish is long and rich. Drink now through 2018. 12,500 cases made. —Kim Marcus

May. 15, 2013: GREEN & RED Zinfandel Napa Valley Chiles Mill Vineyard 2010 (91 points, $26)

Densely jammed with fruit, but braced with enough structure and acidity to keep this vibrant and zesty. Offers notes of dark cherry and toasty vanilla, with lots of underbrush and cracked pepper. The tannins tighten on the finish. Drink now through 2020. 875 cases made. —Tim Fish

May. 14, 2013: CANTINE DUE PALME Primitivo Salento Ettamiano 2009 (87 points, $19)

Port-like, with jammy black plum and wild berry notes, with light hints of rosemary and olive paste. Drink now. 15,000 cases made. —Nathan Wesley