Spring is wine tasting season at the beach

What a lovely weekend; early tulips, daffodils, jonquils and forsythia finally opened. Spring may be my favorite season. In addition to all the flowers, the peeps discard their winter dark colors and are  on the town in those beautiful spring pastels. On Sunday my family enjoyed a brunch featuring an Easter egg hunt and some clowns in addition to a delightful buffet. Don’t know about you but I enjoy seeing all the kiddies dressed to the nines and frolicking on the lawn. I’ve often wondered how the grass stains are removed from those frilly pink-and-yellow dresses and white trousers.

Another attraction is the advent of the wine tasting season at the beach. Stores and restaurants are gearing up for the summer, so producers and distributors show their wares and new releases. Many are wines being sampled, and the wine industry and restaurant folks are out in force. Renewing acquaintances and visiting with longtime friends provides some much-needed relief from the winter stay-at-home doldrums. An ancillary benefit is the opportunity to sample a wide variety of wine, beer and whiskey. It requires a sound liver to make it through March and April, regardless your use of the spittoon. Fortunately, I found several good buys to recommend.

A quick caveat - I noticed several online shippers were trying to move the 2007 Alsatian Rieslings. If you are a fan, please buy the 2010 vintage. This is a bit broad brush, but please discriminate. I enjoy the Alsatian Rieslings because they are normally less austere than those along the German side of the Rhine, due to the climate conditions (terroir) found in the lee of the Vosges mountain range.

Lou asked about 2010 Andrea Mantengoli La Serena Brunello di Montalcino at $48.The 2010 were heavily touted when released garnering high 90s, James Suckling 97. I have not sampled the 2010.

La Serena had a poor 2009 and was just above average in 2004-08. I prefer Poggio Antico and have actually moved from BdiM in favor of well-chosen Rossi. Rosso are more consistent Sangiovese blends. The better labels constantly rate in the 88-91-point range, unless the vintage is a disaster. Another good name for Rosso, Lou, is Casanova di Neri, priced in low $20s.

A Pinot Noir Sierra del Mar 2012 from California Central coast was a lot of wine for suggested retail $12. It's rare to locate top-quality, complex PN at this price point. Dark cherry color opens to cherry and pie spice aromas that continue into ripe fruit, plum, sour cherry and barrel spice notes riding a proper acid/tannin frame.

Smooth with clean, acid-bright finish, 88 McD. Don’t confuse with Roar Sierra Mar PN from Santa Lucia Highlands. Quick note for dog lovers, Chateau la Paws produces a PN, a Chard and a red blend. They use part of their proceeds to support no-kill dog shelters. Sampled while visiting in Northern NJ. A delightful $10 wine showing cherry, raspberry and pie spice aromas opening to fruit, soft tannins and acidity with a touch of sage on the palate. Drink them 2015-18.

An article on Rioja and several wonderful recipes can be found by searching "snooth rioja wines article." You don’t need the grill mark frying pan. A cast iron pan, or better, an outside grill will ensure the seared flavor.

JM Fuentes Gran Clos Les Mines 2010 is highest rated of recent Priorat. And you can find it priced under $18. Priorat originate in a small region in NE Spain. These are made from old vine Garnacha (Grenache) and Carinene (Carignane). They compare to Sine Qua Non and upper-grade Chateauneuf du Pape but come in at half the price.

Les Mines are dark garnet with black pepper, currant, plum and black cherry aromas. On the palate blackberries, more cherries and plums. Balanced acidity and tannin, full-bodied. Drink now. This wine is a terrific bargain. If you buy a bottle, I’m sure you will bring in a case. If you are drinking it soon, please decant.