daily wine picks

More than $30

Apr. 11, 2012: BESSERAT DE BELLEFON Extra Brut Champagne Cuvée des Moines NV (90 points, $50)

Leesy notes of salted butter and marzipan provide a base for Golden Delicious apple, peach and smoke flavors. Fresh acidity works with the refined texture and leads to a moderate, nut-tinged finish. Drink now. 10,000 cases made. —Alison Napjus

Apr. 10, 2012: TESO LA MONJA Toro Victorino 2009 (93 points, $69)

Smoky, spicy notes mingle in this plush, modern red, framing cocoa, blackberry, tar and licorice flavors. A firm backbone supports the velvety texture, and luscious fruit balances high alcohol on the long finish. Best from 2012 through 2020. 350 cases imported. —Thomas Matthews

Apr. 09, 2012: MAISON BLEUE Grenache Snipes Mountain La Montagnette Upland Vineyard 2009 (90 points, $35)

Smooth, vibrant and appealing for its juicy red berry and guava flavors, lingering on the open-textured finish. Drink now through 2014. 104 cases made. —Harvey Steiman

Apr. 07, 2012: PRODUTTORI DEL BARBARESCO Barbaresco Montefico Riserva 2007 (93 points, $66)

Cherry and strawberry flavors are augmented by mineral and tobacco notes in this intense, harmonious red, which is almost chewy in texture and leaves a mouthcoating essence of sweet fruit on the finish. Combines finesse and power. Best from 2014 through 2026. 1,083 cases made. —Bruce Sanderson

Apr. 06, 2012: RUST EN VREDE Stellenbosch 2008 (93 points, $45)

This is pure and driven, with beautiful red currant, blackberry and plum fruit coursing along, laced with supple but substantial tannins and backed by iron and pepper on the sleek finish. Should cellar nicely. Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot. Drink now through 2018. 2,125 cases made. —James Molesworth