daily wine picks

More than $30

Feb. 09, 2012: AGRICOLA PUNICA Isola dei Nuraghi Barrua 2008 (92 points, $60)

A fine, supple red, sporting velvety tannins, racy raspberry, cherry and plum fruit, joined by layers of spice, hot stone and underbrush notes. Well-balanced, elegant and long. Carignano, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2017. 2,000 cases imported. —Nathan Wesley

Feb. 08, 2012: COWHORN Syrah Applegate Valley Reserve 2008 (91 points, $45)

Spacious style lets its blackberry and black cherry flavors expand nicely against streaks of mineral and pepper, coming together smoothly on the ripe but contained finish. Drink now through 2015. 150 cases made. —Harvey Steiman

Feb. 07, 2012: CRISTOM Pinot Noir Eola-Amity Hills Marjorie Vineyard 2008 (92 points, $65)

Dense and chewy, with blackberry and tar flavors, hinting at floral notes as the finish persists with intensity. Best from 2013 through 2018. 440 cases made. —Harvey Steiman

Feb. 06, 2012: SPARKLING POINTE Brut North Fork of Long Island Séduction 2001 (90 points, $50)

Taut and elegant, this racy sparkler offers a fine mousse and rapier acidity that frames maturing flavors of toast, dried apple and ginger. Focused and long. Drink now through 2015. 302 cases made. —Thomas Matthews

Feb. 04, 2012: CASA LAPOSTOLLE Clos Apalta Colchagua Valley 2008 (92 points, $90)

Fine-tuned and expressive, yet focused, this red has terrific display of dark, racy blackberry, boysenberry and braised fig flavors finely woven with spice, mesquite and cured olive hints. Silky tannins frame the long finish, with an aftertaste of fruit and mocha. Carmenère, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2017. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 4,771 cases made. —James Molesworth