daily wine picks

$15 to $30

Oct. 29, 1999: CHATEAU ST. JEAN Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County Cinq Cépages (95 points, $28)

"Dense", "rich" and "complex" describes this '96 California Cabernet, with its layers of currant, mineral, plum, cherry and toasty oak and its broad, intense and deeply flavorful finish. An extraordinary wine, scoring classic, and well-priced. To be relea

Oct. 18, 1999: LA GRANJA NUESTRA SENORA DE REMELLURI Rioja 1996 (90 points, $20)

This ambitious Rioja shows a deep, opaque color, deep, almost charred aromas of coffee and toast, and is firmly tannic on the palate, with ripe flavors of coffee, plum, prune and licorice. The wood notes are dominant now, but it has the concentration to i

Oct. 16, 1999: MONTES Cabernet Sauvignon Curico Valley Montes Alpha 1997 (88 points, $18)

This ripe, rich Chilean Cabernet marries concentrated flavors with voluptuous texture. It delivers plum, prune, dark chocolate and cola flavors, with ripe, full tannins and a clean, sweet finish. Drink now through 2004. 30,000 cases made.

Oct. 15, 1999: DOMAINE TEMPIER Bandol Cuvee Speciale La Tourtine 1996 (92 points, $28)

Made from mostly Mourvedre, this Provençal red is from one of the region's top wineries. The '96 La Tourtine is a gorgeous and powerful red, with loads of ripe plum, berry and chocolate flavors and layers of deliciously rich spice elements like cardamon

Oct. 14, 1999: CONCHA Y TORO Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Valley Puente Alto Vineyard Don Melchor Private Reserve (90 points, $27)

While other Chilean wineries are now producing luxury cuvees that top $50 a bottle, the granddaddy of them all, Concha y Toro's Don Melchor, is still holding the line on pricing while also offering an outstanding wine. Ripe flavors of plum, prune, coffee