daily wine picks

More than $30

Dec. 29, 2012: CHÂTEAU DE PIBARNON Bandol 2007 (91 points, $42)

Muscular, with plenty of meaty accents to the brandied cherry and spiced raspberry flavors. The dense finish is filled with bittersweet chocolate notes and a creamy plushness. Drink now through 2018. 7,500 cases made. —Kim Marcus

Dec. 28, 2012: LANSON Brut Champagne Gold Label 2002 (93 points, $80)

A smoke-tinged powerhouse, with a minerally undertow and firm acidity, offering refined texture and a subtle range of ground spice, ripe plum, whole-grain toast, crystallized honey and candied lemon zest notes. The creamy finish shows a hint of savory fleur de sel. Drink now through 2027. 20,000 cases made. —Alison Napjus

Dec. 27, 2012: BODEGAS ONTAÑON Rioja Reserva 1991 (93 points, $60)

Tobacco, cedar and spice aromas show a traditional character in this alluring red. Features a polished texture, with dried cherry, floral and mineral flavors supported by racy acidity. Focused and long, with a lacy, floral finish. Drink now through 2021. 25 cases made. —Thomas Matthews

Dec. 26, 2012: GIANNI BRUNELLI Toscana Amor Costante 2007 (93 points, $48)

Features alluring aromas of sweet cherry, raspberry and flowers, with a hint of truffle. Beautifully balanced and polished, showing some maturing flavors of dried fruit and underbrush. Fine length. Sangiovese and Merlot. Drink now through 2018. 250 cases made. —Bruce Sanderson

Dec. 25, 2012: VIÑA MONTES Folly Santa Cruz 2010 (95 points, $90)

This dense red delivers cream-tinged layers of blackberry coulis, cassis and plum sauce backed by well-integrated tannins and fresh acidity. Compact now, with fine spice, smoke and licorice notes gracing the long finish. Syrah. Best from 2014 through 2020. 250 cases imported. —Nathan Wesley