daily wine picks

More than $30

Jun. 07, 2001: DOMINIQUE LAURENT Chambertin-Clos de Bèze 1998 (95 points, $248)

This late release '98 red Burgundy is a Pinot Noir of refinement. Fresh and succulent, with lots of sweet fruit, you want to eat it, like you might a bowl of wild raspberries, blackberries and black currants. Medium-bodied and balanced, with distinct toas —Per-Henrik Mansson

Jun. 05, 2001: KRACHER Trockenbeerenauslese Neusiedlersee Grande Cuvée Nouvelle Vague No. 10 1998 (98 points, $55/375mL)

The '98s are the best lineup of dessert wines yet from the indefatigable Alois Kracher, with this TBA topping the range. The Grande Cuvée, which combines equal amounts of Welschriesling and Chardonnay is complex and ethereal. Concentrated and thick, yet —Bruce Sanderson

Jun. 02, 2001: THE HESS COLLECTION Cabernet Sauvignon Mount Veeder (90 points, $35)

Here's a California Cabernet with a solid track record for quality. An exuberant, robust style, with chunky, chewy, grapey currant, black cherry and blackberry flavors that are intense and focused. Finishes with firm tannins, but they're in check for a mo —James Laube

Jun. 01, 2001: JEAN-LOUIS CHAVE Ermitage Cathelin (95 points, $290)

While the Southern Rhône garnered much of the hype in the excellent '98 vintage, the Northern Rhône had its share of terrific wines as well, particularly in Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage. This is Chave's luxury cuvée of Hermitage, and he uses the old spel —Per-Henrik Mansson

May. 23, 2001: LEASINGHAM Shiraz Clare Valley Classic Clare (91 points, $35)

Beautifully focused and bright, this Shiraz delivers juicy, vibrant black cherry, berry and plum flavors on an elegant frame. Tannins are soft, and the finish hints at black pepper and exotic spices as it lasts and lasts. Drink now through 2010. 5,000 cas —Harvey Steiman