daily wine picks

$15 to $30

Jan. 12, 2000: GOLDWATER Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough Dog Point 1999 (90 points, $19)

Here's another solid Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. Fresh and lively, offering bright apple, nectarine and citrus flavors that linger on the racy finish. Yummy now. Drink now. 10,000 cases made.

Jan. 07, 2000: ELYSE Zinfandel Napa Valley Rutherford Bench-Morisoli Vineyard 1997 (92 points, $28)

Nancy and Ray Courson founded Elyse in 1987, concentrating primarily on Zinfandel (though they do make a Cabernet and some other wines). The '97 Morisoli Vineyard has wonderful layers of ripe, jammy wild berry, plum and blackberry flavors that are plush a —James Laube

Jan. 06, 2000: SWANSON Merlot Napa Valley 1997 (91 points, $27)

This California Merlot is smooth, ripe, rich and complex, if a bit understated in its fruit profile. Layers of earthy, clay-laced currant, anise and black cherry mingle with light oak, anise and coffee. Delicious. Drink now through 2008. 11,578 cases made —James Laube

Dec. 30, 1999: TERREDORA Fiano di Avellino 1998 (90 points, $20)

Fiano isn't a common grape, but from Avellino in Italy's Campania region, it can offer excellent value. The '98 from Terredora is a very youthful, lively white with honey, citrus and mineral character. Full-bodied, with lots of fruit and a long, long fini —James Suckling

Dec. 29, 1999: CAKEBREAD Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 1998 (88 points, $16)

Need a break from Chardonnay? Try this very good California Sauvignon Blanc, made by Bruce Cakebread. Rich and spicy, with ripe fig, citrus, melon, herb and celery notes, turning complex. Drink now through 2002. 17,000 cases made.