daily wine picks

More than $30

Mar. 01, 2000: VIÑA ALMAVIVA Puente Alto Maipo (91 points, $70)

Viña Almaviva is the result of a joint venture bewteen Chile—s famous Concha y Toro winery and the Rothschild family of Chateau Mouton-Rothschild fame. With Bordeaux-like aromatics of cedar, cigar smoke and cassis, this expansive but stylish Cabernet l —Kim Marcus

Feb. 23, 2000: NIEPOORT Vintage Port (98 points, $45)

This is the greatest modern vintage of Niepoort. Black color. Intense aromas of crushed berries and wet earth, with a slight stemminess. Full-bodied and mouthpuckering, with loads of fruit and powerful tannins. Amazingly long finish. A bodybuilder of a Po

Feb. 09, 2000: S.A. HUËT Vouvray Cuvée Constance 1997 (100 points, $100/500ml)

Made from botrytised Chenin Blanc, the Cuvee Constance is Huët's top wine, made only in certain vintages. The '97 shows extraordinary richness, while an amazing amount of botrytis gives this sweet white a powerful spicy character, backed by masses of rip —Thomas Matthews

Jan. 28, 2000: FEUDI DI SAN GREGORIO Irpinia Serpico (92 points, $49)

From one of southern Italy's best wineries comes this decadent, flamboyant, glorious red blend. Wonderful aromas of plums, cumin and other spices. Full-bodied, with smoke, berry and spice flavors and a medium tannin structure. Caressing texture. Best afte

Jan. 21, 2000: CHÂTEAU L'ÉGLISE CLINET Pomerol (91 points, $108)

The '97 l'Église Clinet is the wine of the vintage. Lovely dark ruby color. Wonderful aromas of violets and berries, with hints of raspberries. Full- to medium-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long, long, fruity finish. Really gorgeous. Best after 2002 —James Suckling