I’ve been visiting the Temecula Valley for wine tastings over the years–usually as a substitute for the richer (and more distant) wine experiences to be found along California’s Central Coast and the Napa/Sonoma wine countries.

A couple of weeks ago, we had a visitor from Europe who wanted a California wine experience. Not having the time for a long drive North, we headed out to Temecula, just northeast of San Diego County. Once there, we visited a half dozen and were generally unimpressed–except for one:

HART WINERY

Not only was the Hart experience the least expensive in our outing ($5 for six tastings–or $10 to include the Reserves, all poured freehand), it was also the hands-down best find of the day. All of their wines were luscious, but the Hart 2004 Zinfandel Huis snatched my heart. It also has a whopping alcohol content of 16.6 percent!

What can I say–it was so rich and lush, I had to buy a bottle ($24).

But for me to really appreciate a wine, I need to sit down with a proper glass and a lovely meal. Good friends who also love good wine also help. So, a call was made to friends (Mike and Roberta Murphy) to enjoy this great new find with me.

As I sipped this Hart Zinfandel, the true complexities came through. This wine was so thick and wonderful I felt like I could almost chew it! Peppery and smoky, I have been longing for another bottle ever since.

Making fine wines since 1980, this boutique winery only produces around 5000 cases annually.

Take my advice and place Hart Winery as a must stop next time you are wine tasting in the Temecula Valley. It’s conveniently open 7 days a week from 9 to 4:30. If you are not that close, join their wine club or just order a bottle or two….you will not be disappointed.

Na Zdrowia!

Wine Tip: What is tannin?

Tannin is a tart chemical substance found in red wine that serves as a natural preservative. Tannins originate from the skin, seeds and the stems of grapes–and are dissolved into the wine as it is made. Tannins can even be found in wine barrels (that is, if the barrels have been used before). Tannins add that “mouth drying” finish to red wine which lends a distinct character to the wine. Tannins from a bad vintage or unripe grape can seem bitter on your tongue and roof of your mouth. Over time, though, tannins act as a preservative and mellow within the wine, helping it to grow into its complexity and become truly exceptional.

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To my surprise the longer this Grant Street Zinfandel sat in my glass (not the bottle), the better this gorgeous Zin opened up.

I am of course partial to Zinfandel, but would recommend Grant Street to all who are hesitant to try this variety, fearing it would be too heavy for their tastes. No so! Feel free to serve this wine with almost any meal. My husband and I drank ours while dining on shrimp scampi and pasta and it was wonderful!

Wine Tasting Tip:

Always begin with a clean clear glass and pour less than an inch into your glass. Always begin with the lightest wines first (white, sparkling, rose’ etc) and then work your way up to the heavy ones (Zins, Cabs, etc). The reason for this is that it helps keep taste buds sensitive so you can enjoy and appreciate each wine you taste. Nibble on a cracker, snack on some cheese–or simply have a sip of water between tastes in order to help preserve your palate.

And as we say in Poland: Na zdrowia!

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I call Eve Sieminski the Polish Contessa. She loves fine jewelry, expensive hairstylists and fine wine. I don’t know where Eve shops for jewelry or what deal (if any) she strikes with her hairstylist, but we follow her wine recommendations religiously.

Eve truly knows how to serve luxury on a gold-plated shoestring.

You see, the Polish Contessa, has no problem pouring a classless wine down the drain, nor does she hesitate to share her latest finds. One recent jewel was the TBD Zinfandel that is available at Trader Joe’s for (shhhh!) $4.99 a bottle. We tried one bottle and immediately bought a case. It really is that good. But the recommendation comes from Eve, who says:

“This tastes like a $30 bottle of fine Zinfandel that I wouldn’t hesitate to serve at a State Dinner–or to my snootiest clients. It might be good, however, to decant the wine first. The TBD label and name just don’t do justice to what is inside the bottle.”

If you are looking for commentary about hints of raspberry, chocolate finishes or oakey notes, Eve suggests you visit a symphony or read reviews for $80 bottles of wine in Wine Spectator or the like. And while Eve can afford Opus One or perhaps a Chateau Clement Pichon, she takes great pleasure in finding great wines at fabulous prices–and enjoys sharing her conquests.

If you want reviews and inside bargain scoops on fine wines from a true wine lover (instead of a critic), I advise you to stay tuned. Eve has promised to gift our luxey readers with more of her outstanding finds in wine and food. And if you, dear reader, have a recommendation for great wines under $20, Eve promises she (and we?) will try them out and share the results.

Eve’s Bonus Wine Tip: If you don’t have time to property chill your red wine to European room temperature (yes, red wine blossoms with slight chilling), put it in your freezer for 15 minutes (set timer), remove and enjoy.

This will be an irregular column, but we promise to share great wine finds, food discoveries and bonus wine and food tips with our luxury readers as soon as they become available.

What better way to truly enjoy your luxury home with appreciative friends and other oenophiles.

In the meantime, please feel free to share your own!

You may also wish to read:

The Luxury of Gnarly Head Zinfandel

Wine Storage for Oenophiles

The post Luxury on a Gold-Plated Shoestring appeared first on Luxury Home Digest.