daily wine picks

More than $30

Nov. 07, 2000: OPUS ONE Napa Valley 1997 (94 points, $140)

This is the well-known joint venture of Robert Mondavi and the late Baron Philippe de Rothschild. A rich, decidedly earthy style of Opus, showing currant, anise, black cherry, mineral, leather and sage flavors that are focused and complex. Drink now throu —James Laube

Nov. 03, 2000: BODEGAS VEGA SICILIA Ribera del Duero Unico Gran Reserva 1990 (95 points, $250)

Long considered Spain's top winery, Vega Sicilia has released another classic with their 1990 Unico. This wine, made from Tempranillo, receives several years of wood aging before it is bottled and released. It's a smooth and rich Spanish red, showing matu —Thomas Matthews

Nov. 01, 2000: STAGS' LEAP WINERY Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1997 (92 points, $35)

Beautifully polished, ripe and intricate Cabernet from an awesome vintage, with layers of rich currant, plum, mocha, sage and floral notes, finishing long and firm, with a complex aftertaste. Best from 2002 through 2012. 19,500 cases made. —James Laube

Oct. 30, 2000: DIAMOND CREEK Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Volcanic Hill 1998 (94 points, $150)

Al Brounstein has been producing dark, muscular Cabernets from his various vineyard sites on Diamond Mountain for 25 years, and his '98s continue his run of excellence. Dark and sturdy, this is an immense, structured wine built for the long haul, deliveri —James Laube

Oct. 28, 2000: PASANAU GERMANS Priorat Finca La Planeta 1997 (94 points, $39)

From Spain's small northeastern appellation of Priorat, comes this outstanding red. It's produced from Pasanau's high-altitude Cabernet vineyard. Intense. Ripe fruit coats the palate first, then darker flavors of coffee, anise and minerals emerge and ling —Thomas Matthews