daily wine picks

$15 to $30

Apr. 02, 2001: LEONILDO PIEROPAN Soave Classico Superiore La Rocca 1998 (91 points, $21)

Looking for a break from the norm? Try this -- it's hard to believe it's just a Soave. Super, with wonderful late-harvest aromas of honey, light butterscotch and straw, this wine is full-bodied, with lots of ripe fruit and a long, long, creamy, fruity aft —James Suckling

Mar. 31, 2001: TIKAL Malbec Altos de Mendoza Amorío 1999 (91 points, $27)

From Ernesto Catena comes one of the best Argentinean reds I've tasted. This shows the briery, coffeelike side of Malbec, with gorgeous plum, raspberry and cinnamon flavors. Chewy and dense on the finish, with tongue-coating tannins. Needs a little time t —James Molesworth

Mar. 29, 2001: THE HESS COLLECTION Chardonnay Napa Valley (87 points, $19)

Always a winner, this Chardonnay is produced in ample quantity and comes at an easy-to-handle price. Ripe, rich and layered with spicy fig, apricot, nutmeg, citrus and herbal notes. Drink now through 2004. 14,000 cases made. —James Laube

Mar. 28, 2001: BYRON Chardonnay Santa Maria Valley Byron Vineyard 1997 (89 points, $22)

This late release '97 Chardonnay is rich and earthy, with a tight range of anise, pear, guava and citrus flavors that slowly unfold, revealing added flavor nuances and depth. Drink now through 2005. 19,000 cases made. —James Laube

Mar. 23, 2001: TIKAL Malbec Altos de Mendoza Amorío 1999 (91 points, $27)

From Ernesto Catena comes one of the best Argentinean reds we've tasted. This shows the more briery, coffeelike side of Malbec, with gorgeous plum, raspberry and cinnamon flavors. Chewy and dense on the finish, with tongue-coating tannins. Needs a little —James Molesworth