daily wine picks

$15 to $30

Jul. 13, 2001: STONESTREET Chardonnay Sonoma County 1996 (92 points, $24)

Sharply focused, rich and complex, this is an impressive Chardonnay, with pretty pear, fig, melon and apricot flavors. Turns spicy, with anise and cedar, and finishes with a long and lively aftertaste. Drink now through 2005. 13,928 cases made. —James Laube

Jul. 02, 2001: VIÑA CALITERRA Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley Arboleda 1998 (86 points, $20)

Arboleda is a new line from Caliterra, the joint venture of Eduardo Chadwick and Robert Mondavi. This Cabernet is dark and smoky, with good currant flavor, and a chewy texture. A bit firm on the finish, but a good effort for a '98, a vintage that was trou —James Molesworth

Jun. 30, 2001: ADELSHEIM Pinot Noir Oregon (89 points, $25)

Soft, round and generous, a gentle mouthful of blackberry and cherry and juicy acidity to balance, finishing lively and focused. Drink now through 2007. 3,156 cases made. —Harvey Steiman

Jun. 28, 2001: SWANSON Merlot Napa Valley 1998 (88 points, $30)

Complex and concentrated, with a supple core of earthy currant, anise, tobacco, cedar and spice nuances, finishing with well-proportioned tannins. Drink now through 2006. 14,725 cases made. —James Laube

Jun. 27, 2001: TREFETHEN Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1998 (88 points, $30)

This California Cabernet is pleasantly balanced, featuring ripe cherry, currant and berryish fruit, a nice touch of cedary oak and the right amount of tannin. Fails to excite, yet is quite appealing in its subtleties. Drink now through 2006. 10,700 cases —James Laube