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:
I enjoyed the TBD Zin as well, I would also recommend checking out what you can get if you spend an extra $3. I preferred the Rocking Horse.
Jason: Good to find another fan of the TBD Zinfandel–and we’ll take you up on the Rocking Horse recommendation. Love your wine blog and am now a subscriber. Feel free to post other recommendations here:-)
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Roberta,
Great to have some affordable recommendations and I can’t wait to try it along with Rocking Horse, as well.
Luxury at $4.99 a bottle! I love it. Wish we had a “Traders” in Honolulu.
Aloha,
Keahi
RE/MAX 808 Realty
877-737-2093
808-737-2093
Keahi: I’ll bet everyone in Honolulu would celebrate a Trader Joes! Don’t know we would do without our local store in Encinitas. It’s a regular stop for wine, cheese and flowers.
I love beautiful things. I am known for my rather high-end preferences (especially for well-crafted designer pieces at sample prices).
However, I never mastered finding wine that I really appreciate. I look forward to learning from Ms. Sieminski’s suggestions.
Thanks!