daily wine picks

More than $30

Nov. 23, 2002: PAOLO SCAVINO Barolo Carobric 1998 (95 points, $80)

From the racy, elegant '98 Piedmont vintage comes this superb Barolo. Very well-done. Bright fruit, with hints of dry porcini that turn to blackberries. Full-bodied, with loads of silky tannins and a medium finish. Best after 2005. 1,600 cases made. High —James Suckling

Nov. 20, 2002: PIPER-HEIDSIECK Brut Champagne Rare 1988 (97 points, $55)

This monumental Champagne doesn't need the holidays as an excuse to get opened. Full-bodied and intense, yet retaining the elegance and verve characteristic of the '88 vintage, this is showing roasted elements of coffee, hazelnut and citrus confit, with a —Bruce Sanderson

Nov. 16, 2002: DOMENICO CLERICO Barolo Ciabot Mentin Ginestra 1998 (99 points, $71)

Piedmont keeps cranking out the hits these days, as with this nearly perfect Barolo. This is breathtaking. Unbelievable. Big and powerful, with loads of plum, blackberry, raisin and meaty aromas. Full-bodied, with big, luscious tannins and masses of fruit —James Suckling

Nov. 15, 2002: GAJA Langhe Costa Russi 1998 (95 points, $340)

One would expect Gaja to shine in a year as good as '98. The '98 Costa Russi has terrific aromas of ripe fruit, spices, licorice and blackberries. Full-bodied, with lots of ripe fruit and a lovely balance of round tannins and hints of oak. Very concentrat —James Suckling

Nov. 13, 2002: CHATEAU ST. JEAN Cabernet Sauvignon Sonoma County Cinq Cépages 1999 (95 points, $70)

This former Wine Spectator Wine of the Year rates classic again in the outstanding '99 vintage. Gorgeous, offering a mix of ripe, rich, fleshy currant and blackberry fruit, with hints of herb, olive and sage. Finishes with a firm, structured backbo —James Laube