daily wine picks

$15 to $30

Feb. 26, 1999: PETER LEHMANN Shiraz-Merlot-Cabernet-Cabernet Franc Barossa Clancy\'s (92 points, $20)

Made from a blend of four red grapes, this Aussie wine is big, ripe, rich and round, with lots of spicy, earth-scented black cherry and berry flavor, hinting at chocolate on the smooth finish. A distinctive wine that has the depth to repay cellaring. Drin

Feb. 17, 1999: GROTH Chardonnay Napa Valley 1997 (90 points, $20)

While Groth may be known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, the Chardonnay is also a winner. The '97 is clean and fruity, with a spicy core of pear, vanilla, nutmeg and subtle citrus flavors that are complex and lively. Drink now through 2001. 12,200 cases made.

Feb. 15, 1999: DAVID BRUCE Pinot Noir Central Coast 1997 (90 points, $16)

Finding a good Pinot Noir can be a real labor of love. Here's a California Pinot that will reward a search -- and with plenty made, the search shouldn't be too hard. Smooth, rich and polished, with a complex core of herb-laced black cherry, currant, plum

Feb. 13, 1999: DOMAINE CLAVEL Coteaux du Languedoc La Copa Santa 1996 (92 points, $20)

This red from France's up-and-coming Languedoc region is dense and incredibly concentrated, with layers of complex but well-defined flavors of bacon, ripe plum, dark chocolate and ripe raspberry. Finishes with mineral and coffeelike notes. Rather plush de

Feb. 11, 1999: GIRARD Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1995 (91 points, $30)

Here's an outstanding California Cabernet from the excellent '95 vintage. It greets you with dusty, cedary oak and a tightly wound, complex core of blackberry, black cherry, sage, herb and coffee notes; it's still a bit awkward, but has most of the right