daily wine picks

$15 to $30

Apr. 02, 2005: BRICK HOUSE Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2003 (90 points, $25)

Ripe, complex and vividly balanced, with brisk acidity, but showing layers of pear, grapefruit, sour apple and spice flavors that keep singing through the harmonious finish. Drink now through 2009. 300 cases made. —Harvey Steiman

Apr. 01, 2005: AMISFIELD Pinot Noir Central Otago 2003 (91 points, $30)

Lithe and lively. A lovely mouthful of richly textured currant, blackberry and plum flavors that persist into a gorgeously balanced finish. Has enough style and steel to make it last and develop in the bottle. Drink now through 2012. 2,100 cases imported. —Harvey Steiman

Mar. 31, 2005: KAESLER Shiraz Barossa Valley Stonehorse 2003 (90 points, $26)

Polished on the outside, vibrant on the inside, with a whoosh of cherry, plum and licorice flavor that just won't quit as the finish persists impressively. Drink now through 2012. 3,000 cases made. —Harvey Steiman

Mar. 30, 2005: HILLSVIEW Shiraz Adelaide Blewitt Springs 2001 (90 points, $19)

Smooth, ripe and distinctive for its peppermint and fresh-turned earth character around a lovely core of blueberry, blackberry and bittersweet chocolate that lingers on the polished finish. Drink now through 2010. 1,500 cases made. —Harvey Steiman

Mar. 29, 2005: FARNESE Edizione Cinque Autoctoni 1999 (90 points, $20)

Inky in color, with a dense and rich blackberry, chocolate and ripe plum character. Full-bodied, with a jammy, lightly peppery aftertaste. Thick and velvety. Fruit-forward, Aussie style. Montepulciano, Primitivo, Sangiovese, Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera f —James Suckling