daily wine picks

More than $30

Oct. 04, 2000: BONNEAU DU MARTRAY Corton-Charlemagne (93 points, $95)

Here's another outstanding '98 Corton-Charlemagne. Vibrant, clean and lively, with lovely midpalate concentration, this medium- to full-bodied white Burgundy is straight as an arrow. Fabulous balance of subtle toasted oak and ripe fruit. An ager. Best fro —Per-Henrik Mansson

Oct. 03, 2000: J.-F. COCHE-DURY Corton-Charlemagne (94 points, $240)

From one of the region's top white wine makers comes another outstanding Corton-Charlemagne -- an appellation that did well in the tricky '98 vintage. Tight and reserved, showing little aromatic complexity now except for some mineral notes, but ripe, clea —Per-Henrik Mansson

Sep. 30, 2000: SEQUOIA GROVE Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Reserve 1997 (90 points, $42)

The delicious core of complex black cherry, currant and anise-scented flavors outshines undertones of earth and leather in this outstanding California Cabernet. The fruit lingers on the finish. Best from 2002 through 2009. 14,021 cases made. —James Laube

Sep. 29, 2000: STAG'S LEAP WINE CELLARS Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 1997 (90 points, $35)

From a winery with a long track record comes this firm, rich and concentrated Cabernet, with elegant coffee, cedar, currant and leather flavors that are neat and trim. Finishes with hints of mocha and cedar. Cellar short-term; best from 2002 through 2010. —James Laube

Sep. 22, 2000: ST. CLEMENT Oroppas Napa Valley (92 points, $45)

Here's a wine that bucks the trend of otherwise disappointing reds from California's difficult '98 vintage. Big, ripe, rich and chocolaty, this mostly Cabernet-Merlot blend delivers loads of polished currant, plum and black cherry flavors and pretty toast —James Laube