daily wine picks

More than $30

Mar. 21, 2001: E. GUIGAL Côte-Rôtie La Mouline (92 points, $150)

Always a late release, Guigal's "La La" wines are usually worth the wait. The '96 La Mouline is a warm, sweet-tasting, ripe Syrah. Yet this full-bodied Northern Rhône wine has a firm, muscular structure; it offers plum, black cherry, licorice, cassis, mo —Per-Henrik Mansson

Mar. 17, 2001: CONN CREEK Anthology Napa Valley 1997 (93 points, $55)

This Cabernet blend from Conn Creek may be a little pricey, but it's a serious wine for the cellar. Delicious, smooth, rich and spicy, with complex and concentrated currant, anise, cedar, tar and cherry, intense and focused, long and detailed. Best from 2 —James Laube

Mar. 15, 2001: A. CLAPE Cornas 1998 (93 points, $48)

Here's a blockbuster Northern Rhône red, made from 100 percent Syrah. Supple, delivering plenty of warm flavors, verging almost on raisiny. Full-bodied, offering round, rich tannins and concentrated fruit, it has a massive, chewy structure that's given s —Per-Henrik Mansson

Mar. 12, 2001: FRANZ HIRTZBERGER Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Trocken Wachau Spitzer Honivogl 1999 (94 points, $55)

From one of Austria's top producers comes this outstanding dry (trocken) Grüner Veltliner. Candied almond and pear give way to rich, intense violet and vegetal flavors. Full-bodied and unevolved, with a viscous texture and density. Palate-coating finish, —Bruce Sanderson

Mar. 09, 2001: STAG'S LEAP WINE CELLARS Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Fay (93 points, $100)

Here's an outsanding Fay vineyard Cabernet from a California winery with a long track record. Expands into a tremendously flavorful wine. Smooth, rich and spicy, with mocha and vanilla-scented currant and black cherry flavors that are elegant and sophisti —James Laube