daily wine picks

$15 to $30

Dec. 18, 2003: DOMAINE LAPORTE Sancerre Domaine du Rochoy 2001 (89 points, $19)

From the Loire comes this mature but still lively white, with lemon curd, white peach, herb and straw flavors that pick up a hint of almond on the lush finish. Nicely done. Drink now. 6,075 cases made. Smart Buys. —James Molesworth

Dec. 17, 2003: CHÂTEAU DU CÈDRE Cahors Le Prestige 2000 (90 points, $20)

From the southwest of France comes this polished and pure tasting red, with delicious red plum, iron and cassis flavors. Spicy, juicy finish feathered with smoke and meat elements. Drink now through 2005. 5,000 cases made. Smart Buys. —Kim Marcus

Dec. 16, 2003: DOMINIO DEL PLATA Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Crios de Susana Balbo 2002 (88 points, $15)

From Argentina comes this concentrated and ripe red, with brawny blackberry and currant fruit and plenty of toast. Has a beefy, gamy edge that recedes with air, revealing more fruit on the muscular finish. Drink now through 2005. 7,000 cases made. Smart —James Molesworth

Dec. 05, 2003: MULDERBOSCH Sauvignon Blanc Stellenbosch 2003 (92 points, $20)

The latest outstanding release from one of South Africa's top white wine producers is this crackling, live-wire Sauvignon, with textbook gooseberry, grass, lime and mineral flavors on a racy frame. Pure and long, with great acidity rippling beneath it all —James Molesworth

Dec. 04, 2003: MAS MARTINET VITICULTORS Priorat Martinet Bru 2001 (91 points, $24)

From Spain comes this entrancing red. The texture is at once velvet and gossamer, rich yet delicate, and the flavors are intense and balanced, with blueberry, blackberry, vanilla, toast and spice notes that dance on the finish. Drink now through 2012. 2,7 —Thomas Matthews