daily wine picks

More than $30

Sep. 22, 2001: BERNARD CHAVE Hermitage 1999 (95 points, $45)

This northern Rhône red is soft, supple and attractive. Aromatically reserved, the elegant structure of this full-bodied wine comes through as it pumps out rich, ripe red berry and blackberry flavors, lots of mocha and chocolate aromas, and much more. —Per-Henrik Mansson

Sep. 22, 2001: BERNARD CHAVE Hermitage 1999 (95 points, $45)

This northern Rhône red is soft, supple and attractive. Aromatically reserved, the elegant structure of this full-bodied wine comes through as it pumps out rich, ripe red berry and blackberry flavors, lots of mocha and chocolate aromas, and much more. —Per-Henrik Mansson

Sep. 20, 2001: LOUIS CARILLON Puligny-Montrachet Les Champs Canet 1999 (95 points, $91)

1999 wasn't a stand-out year for white Burgundy, but there are still some exceptional wines. This premier cru from Louis Carillon is fantastic. Ripe and thick-textured, the flavors cut through this full-bodied wine like light piercing porcelain, wi —Per-Henrik Mansson

Sep. 19, 2001: SHAFER Merlot Napa Valley 1999 (90 points, $38)

Outstanding California Merlot. The '99 Shafer Napa Valley Merlot serves up a generous, juicy core of ripe plum, raspberry and wild berry, plus touches of chocolate, coffee and cedar before finishing with a smooth texture, the right amount of tannin and a —James Laube

Sep. 15, 2001: NEYERS Merlot Napa Valley 1999 (90 points, $33)

This impressive Merlot is ripe, rich and full-bodied, revealing layers of currant, black cherry, plum, vanilla and cedar, while holding a tight focus and showing smooth texture. Drink now through 2006. 3,596 cases made. Spectator Selection.

-- Jame —James Laube