daily wine picks

More than $30

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

Sep. 13, 2001: LEONETTI Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley 1998 (93 points, $60)

From one of the region's top producers comes another outstanding Cabernet. The '98 Leonetti is ripe, round and graceful, a pretty wine that's generous with its plum and black currant flavors, swirling with jasmine, rose petal and vanilla flavors, and ech —Harvey Steiman

Sep. 10, 2001: CHÂTEAU LA NERTHE Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée des Cadettes 1999 (95 points, $80)

This is the high-end cuvée for the top-notch southern Rhône producer, and it's a winner again in '99. A seductive wine that's rich and ripe, thick and delightful, filling the palate with sweet fruit that cascades in a symphony of subtle violet, plum and —Per-Henrik Mansson

Aug. 23, 2001: WOODWARD CANYON Merlot Columbia Valley 1999 (91 points, $38)

From one of the region's top producers comes another outstanding Merlot. Chewy texture and vivid, ripe, violet-scented currant and berry flavors make this a good cellar candidate -- or drink it with a juicy steak. It' —Harvey Steiman