daily wine picks

$15 to $30

Jul. 12, 2005: L'OSTAL CAZES Minervois La Livinière 2002 (89 points, $30)

Dense, robust red, with good concentration to the red cherry, smoke and meaty flavors. Good depth, but not a lot of finesse, with muscular tannins on the finish. Drink now. 1,250 cases made. —Kim Marcus

Jul. 11, 2005: RUTHERFORD HILL Chardonnay Napa Valley 2003 (89 points, $18)

This wine serves a tight, firm beam of mineral, pear and green apple fruit that's intense and direct, offering a hint of lemon and citrus on the mouthwatering finish. Drink now through 2008. 6,431 cases made. —James Laube

Jul. 09, 2005: EL MASROIG Montsant Les Sorts Vinyes Velles 2002 (90 points, $25)

Supple and well-integrated, this red offers black cherry, mineral, tobacco and herbal notes, with firm, balanced tannins and a long, smoky finish. Drink now through 2009. 500 cases imported. —Thomas Matthews

Jul. 08, 2005: DOMAINE LAGUERRE Côtes du Roussillon White Le Ciste 2003 (90 points, $22)

Luscious aromas and flavors of smoke, spice, mineral and kiwi fruit. This is full-bodied, exotic and well-integrated, in a style that is almost Burgundian in its sophistication. Drink now through 2007. 100 cases imported. —Kim Marcus

Jul. 07, 2005: CORINNE & JEAN-PIERRE GROSSOT Chablis Les Fourneaux 2002 (91 points, $30)

A whiff of the seashore and shellfish introduce this silky, mineral-laden Chablis. Apple and herbs complete the flavor spectrum and it has power to give on the finish. Very alive and expressive. Drink now through 2012. —Bruce Sanderson