daily wine picks

More than $30

Jul. 19, 2000: TENUTA DELL'ORNELLAIA Bolgheri Ornellaia (96 points, $100)

This "Super Tuscan" gem is black in color, with complex aromas of black currants, minerals and wet earth. Full-bodied, with lots of tannins, but very polished. Long, long finish. Superbly well-made -- a great Ornellaia. Best after 2004. 11,415 cases made. —James Suckling

Jul. 13, 2000: ALTESINO Brunello di Montalcino Montosoli 1995 (96 points, $75)

Monster Brunello. Very dark in color, with superripe aromas of black licorice, dried plum, mint and meat. Full-bodied, with masses of velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Best version of this Tuscan red since the legendary 1990 Montosoli. Give it time —James Suckling

Jul. 12, 2000: JEAN-LOUIS CHAVE Hermitage (93 points, $100)

Here—s an outstanding example of French Syrah. Amazingly velvety mouthfeel marks this balanced and beautiful '97 Rhône red. Smooth, rich, ripe yet fresh, it caresses the palate, delivering blackberry, wet earth and sweet tannins in a clean package. Ver —Kim Marcus

Jul. 07, 2000: M. CHAPOUTIER Hermitage La Sizeranne 1998 (96 points, $78)

A fabulous northern Rhône. This serious Hermitage has its roots deep in hillside soil, with mineral, wet earth and grilled character. Intense and complex, showing a toasted, smoky essence and loads of blackberry flavors. Refined tannins turn firm and giv —Kim Marcus

Jul. 06, 2000: KISTLER Chardonnay Sonoma Valley Durell Vineyard 1997 (95 points, $50)

From California—s perhaps top Chardonnay producer comes yet another great release. The '97 Durell is a seamless wine of classic proportions. Ripe, rich and polished, with tiers of pear, citrus, melon, hazelnut and fig culminating in a long, polished aft —James Laube