daily wine picks

$15 to $30

Apr. 14, 2000: ARGYLE Brut Willamette Valley (90 points, $22)

This Oregon sparkler is elegant, complex and layered with flavor. It has everything you want in a sparkling wine, including delicacy. The texture is fine-grained, and flavors center around pear, toast and hints of exotic flowers and spices. Drink now. 10, —Harvey Steiman

Apr. 10, 2000: MARKHAM Petite Sirah Napa Valley 1996 (91 points, $20)

This Petite Sirah is dark and firm, with tight, crisp tannins and a rich, intense core of blackberry, raspberry and black cherry in need of short-term cellaring. It finishes with detailed tannins and mineral and earth notes. A great version of this variet —James Laube

Apr. 05, 2000: CALERA Chardonnay Central Coast 1998 (91 points, $22)

A wonderful value in Chardonnay that is complex, ripe, bold and rich, layered with earth, pear, toast, fig and smoky oak flavors. It's smooth in texture, with a long, full aftertaste. Delicious now through 2008. 11,159 cases made. —James Laube

Apr. 01, 2000: GUENOC Langtry Meritage White Guenoc Valley 1998 (87 points, $23)

Toasty oak, herb, ripe lemon, pineapple and melon flavors are well-balanced and generous. Full-bodied, with lively acidity and a long finish. Made from a blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Drink now through 2003. 36,000 cases made. —James Laube

Mar. 30, 2000: CAYMUS Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley (86 points, $18)

On the oaky side, with a creamy texture and plenty of toast and coconut notes. Full-bodied, with hints of pear and herb flavors poking through. Drink now through 2003. 18,000 cases made. —James Laube