daily wine picks

$15 to $30

Dec. 26, 2012: THE HESS COLLECTION Chardonnay Napa Valley 2010 (87 points, $22)

The pure, ripe, generous peach, nectarine and pear flavors are soft and fleshy, with a honeysuckle scent. Drink now through 2016. 17,053 cases made. —James Laube

Dec. 25, 2012: DOMAINE CHANDON Brut Blanc de Noirs California NV (88 points, $22)

Creamy vanilla and raspberry aromas lead to appealing flavors of strawberry and spicy lemon in this fun glass of bubbles. Drink now. 80,000 cases made. —Tim Fish

Dec. 24, 2012: CASA LAPOSTOLLE Merlot Colchagua Valley Cuvée Alexandre Apalta Vineyard 2009 (90 points, $25)

Ripe and pulpy, with rich plum and macerated black cherry notes woven with light tannins and hints of tobacco, mocha and smoke on the lingering finish. Drink now through 2016. 2,000 cases imported. —Nathan Wesley

Dec. 22, 2012: PECCHENINO Dogliani San Luigi 2011 (89 points, $21)

Graphite, boysenberry, raspberry and orange peel grace this smooth, heady red. Doesn't quite follow through with conviction, but is satisfying nonetheless. Drink now through 2015. 2,200 cases imported. —Bruce Sanderson

Dec. 22, 2012: 14 HANDS Cabernet Sauvignon Horse Heaven Hills The Reserve 2009 (93 points, $30)

Supple, polished and distinctive for guava accents to the currant and sage flavors, finishing with refined tannins that let the flavors expand nicely without excess weight. Drink now through 2019. 200 cases made. —Harvey Steiman