daily wine picks

$15 to $30

Apr. 19, 2002: DOMAINE PICCININI Minervois La Liviniére Clos l'Angély 1999 (90 points, $15)

Rich, ripe and supple, with loads of concentrated plum, chocolate and dark cherry flavors. Well-structured, with notes of French roast and dark chocolate on the finish. Delicious red from the south of France. Drink now through 2005. 2,000 cases made. < —Kim Marcus

Apr. 12, 2002: ALLEGRINI Verona Palazzo della Torre 1998 (90 points, $18)

This Veneto red from one of the region's top producers shows beautiful aromas of minerals, berries and violets, with just the right amount of toasted oak. Medium- to full-bodied, with fine tannins, but slightly austere on the finish. Give it a year of bot —James Suckling

Apr. 08, 2002: PINE RIDGE Chardonnay Napa Valley Carneros Dijon Clones 2000 (91 points, $25)

Here's a bold mouthful of Chardonnay that packs in lots of rich, complex flavors that are concentrated and deep. Smoky toasty oak, pear, fig, sage and anise turn thick and buttery. Drink now through 2006. 15,000 cases made. Spectator Selection. —James Laube

Apr. 02, 2002: CHATEAU SOUVERAIN Merlot Alexander Valley 1999 (92 points, $17)

Chateau Souverain has a track record for producing large quantities of solid wine at reasonable prices. Its '99 Merlot is rich and spicy, with exotic chocolate, black cherry, plum, nutmeg and light toasty, mocha-scented oak and coffee grounds. Elegant, c —James Laube

Apr. 01, 2002: HANNA Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 1999 (92 points, $25)

The '99 California Cabernets are starting to come out, and the early returns are good. This bottling from Hanna is deceptively sleek, rich and polished for all its youthful vitality and intensity. Packed with rich currant, cherry, mocha and coffee flavors —James Laube