daily wine picks

$15 to $30

Aug. 09, 2012 CHALONE Pinot Noir Monterey County 2010 (87 points, $15)

Firm and well-structured, with a crushed rock and loamy earth edge to the snappy dried berry flavors. A flinty edge marks the finish. Drink now through 2016. 40,151 cases made. —James Laube

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$15 to $30

Aug. 09, 2012 BODEGAS Y VIÑEDOS VIÑA MAYOR Ribera del Duero Reserva 2007 (88 points, $28)

This focused red shows black cherry, licorice and cedar notes that are modest but harmonious, with accents of smoke and clove. A bit austere, but balanced. Drink now through 2015. 24,000 cases made. —Thomas Matthews

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More than $30

Aug. 09, 2012 CASANOVA DI NERI Brunello di Montalcino Tenuta Nuova 2007 (93 points, $90)

Effusive aromas of ripe cherry, plum tart and cedar lead to a macerated cherry flavor, with plenty of spice accents as this gains steam. Just a touch hot on the balance now, with assertive tannins, yet this blossoms after a few hours in the glass. Best from 2015 through 2030. 5,012 cases made. —Bruce Sanderson

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