daily wine picks

$15 to $30

May. 09, 2002: FAIRVIEW Coastal Region Primo Pinotage 2000 (91 points, $24)

This Pinotage (a grape made from a cross of Pinot Noir and Cinsault) is as impressive as I've seen from the Coastal Region of South Africa. Lots of fruit, blackberry and raspberry, with opulent smoke, coffee and chocolate notes coming in on the finish. B —James Molesworth

May. 01, 2002: CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE Merlot Columbia Valley Canoe Ridge Estate Vineyard 1999 (91 points, $23)

There's plenty of this outstanding Washington Merlot to go around. Rich, round and generous with its ripe blackberry, cherry and sweet spice flavors, which echo beautifully on the velvety finish. Drink now through 2006. 10,000 cases made. Spectator Selec —Harvey Steiman

Apr. 27, 2002: CHÂTEAU STE.-EULALIE Minervois La Liviniére La Cantilène 1999 (89 points, $16)

Medium-bodied and well-balanced, with flavors of dark plum, cassis and dark cherry, and notes of coffee, as well. Good, medium-grained tannins are framed by meaty notes on the finish. Needs time. Best from 2003 through 2006. 2,500 cases made.

—Kim Marcus

Apr. 25, 2002: QUINTA DE CABRIZ Touriga Nacional Dão 1999 (91 points, $20)

Rich, powerful and sculpted red, with a Rhone-like, leathery aroma and loads of dark plum, dark cherry and smoky flavors. This has plenty of muscle and fine tannins, which combine seamlessly with leathery and spicy notes on the finish. Best from 2003 thro —Kim Marcus

Apr. 23, 2002: DÖNNHOFF Riesling Kabinett Nahe Norheimer Dellchen 2000 (89 points, $24)

Brilliant. Rich, dense and exploding with red fruit, vanilla cream, peach, apple and mineral flavors, all displayed on a vivid, light-weight frame. This will benefit from time in the bottle. Best from 2003 through 2010.

For a complete look at the 20 —Bruce Sanderson