daily wine picks

$15 to $30

Aug. 12, 2005: DOMAINE LE COLOMBIER Vacqueyras Cuvée G. 2003 (89 points, $22)

Lots of suave spice and vanilla notes on the nose, backed by supple blackberry and black cherry fruit flavors. Shows tar and mineral notes on the dark finish, but stays long and stylish. A very intriguing wine. Drink now through 2007. 600 cases made. —James Molesworth

Aug. 11, 2005: DOMAINE BOIS DE BOURSAN Châteauneuf-du-Pape White 2003 (89 points, $30)

Reticent at first, this sheds its nutty, buttery notes to reveal bright peach, lemon verbena, star fruit and mineral flavors. Firm, stony finish. Drink now through 2006. 500 cases made. —James Molesworth

Aug. 10, 2005: DOMAINE PÉLAQUIÉ Côtes du Rhône-Villages Laudun 2003 (90 points, $15)

Nice purity, with supple black cherry and plum fruit riding atop lavender, spice and mineral notes, all of it staying in balance through the lengthy finish. Drink now through 2006. 800 cases made. —James Molesworth

Aug. 09, 2005: MEERLUST Chardonnay Stellenbosch 2003 (90 points, $19)

This has alluring mineral, dried pineapple, fig, pie crust and matchstick flavors, with a long, detailed, smoky finish. Delicious, character-filled wine. Drink now through 2006. —James Molesworth

Aug. 08, 2005: JEAN-LUC COLOMBO Côtes du Rhône-Villages Cairanne Le Pavillon des Courtisanes 2001 (90 points, $20)

Elegant spice and vanilla notes frame the nose, while supple red and black cherry fruit mingles with mineral and sanguine notes. Tangy, almost nervy minerality runs through the finish, along with some toast. Very stylish. Drink now. 5,000 cases made. —James Molesworth