daily wine picks

Less than $15

Jan. 17, 2013 VIÑA SANTA CAROLINA Merlot Colchagua Valley Reserva 2010 (85 points, $12)

A solid, medium-bodied red, balancing ripe plum, dark cherry, tobacco and cured olive notes. This is plenty ripe, with a juicy finish. Drink now. 12,000 cases made. —Nathan Wesley

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$15 to $30

Jan. 17, 2013 MAS DE LA DAME Alpilles White La Stèle 2011 (88 points, $24)

Offers up an aroma of ginger, revealing luscious flavors of ripe apricot, melon and apple pastry. Saline notes emerge as well, with smoke and dried mango elements lingering on the rich finish alongside hints of white chocolate. Vermentino and Roussanne. Drink now through 2017. 25,000 cases made. —Kim Marcus

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More than $30

Jan. 17, 2013 BONNY DOON Syrah Santa Maria Valley Bien Nacido Vineyard 2008 (92 points, $42)

Very distinctive, rich and layered, with white pepper, earthy berry, hot brick and pepper probing the nuances of dried berry and spice. Drink now through 2022. 573 cases made. —James Laube

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