Wine Enthusiast Guide for Pocket PC

[Crystal Eitle]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.landware.com/wineguide/ppc/tour/index.html' target='_blank'>http://www.landware.com/wineguide/p...tour/index.html</a><br /><br /></div>Even though it's not out yet, I'm excited about Landware's Wine Enthusiast Guide for Pocket PC, due out at the end of August. This just seems like one of those apps that is a perfect match for the Pocket PC platform. How many times have you been at a restaurant and tried a fantastic bottle of wine and wished for a convenient way to write it down? Or how many times have you looked at a wine list and had only a vague idea of which wine to select? Wine Enthusiast Guide looks to have all the features you'd need to become an expert on wine, or at least act like one. With reviews, ratings, a wine-cellar management feature, a glossary, interactive vintage chart, a "Wine 101" course, and a tasting notes feature, it seems like they have everything covered.<br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/20030723_ceitle_wine1.gif" /> <br /><br />My only reservation about this software is trying to imagine actually using it. It seems like it would be bit gauche to pull out your Pocket PC at the table and use it to look up wines; you'd have to do it discreetly. And what if you were out on a first date with someone? What if they thought you were a total geek for busting out your Pocket PC at a swanky restaurant? (Although, perhaps the sooner they find out, the better :D )

[rlobrecht]

I've been hoping for something like this for a long time. I tried to do something with a Handb database, but I really need someone elses notes in addition to mine.

I'm old and married, and she already knows I'm a geek, so I don't have that problem. :D

[scottmag]

My only reservation about this software is trying to imagine actually using it. It seems like it would be bit gauche to pull out your Pocket PC at the table and use it to look up wines; you'd have to do it discreetly.

Just create a distraction, tuck the wine list under your shirt or jacket, and excuse yourself to the restroom to geek away. When you return you will have superhuman powers of wine selection (and a wine list jamming you in the stomach so reach down and pretend to pick it up off the floor which will also cover you if they were looking for it in your absence.)

I'd love to have something like this, but you are right about the social implications. Also important would be a way to update the information. I frequently come across wine columns full of recommendations and there is no easy way to consolidate the information to make it usable.

Scott

[Foo Fighter]

Finally!!! An application for rich, elitist, pseudo-intellectual snobs to foist their "knowledge" of fine wine upon the ignorant masses!

Pass me an iPaq and bottle of Johannesburg Riesling! :razz:

[Jimmy Dodd]

My only reservation about this software is trying to imagine actually using it. It seems like it would be bit gauche to pull out your Pocket PC at the table and use it to look up wines; you'd have to do it discreetly.

Just create a distraction, tuck the wine list under your shirt or jacket, and excuse yourself to the restroom to geek away. When you return you will have superhuman powers of wine selection (and a wine list jamming you in the stomach so reach down and pretend to pick it up off the floor which will also cover you if they were looking for it in your absence.)

I'd love to have something like this, but you are right about the social implications. Also important would be a way to update the information. I frequently come across wine columns full of recommendations and there is no easy way to consolidate the information to make it usable.

Scott

I have a wine list in HandDBase where I keep tasting notes as well as reviews, etc. It comes in really handy when tasting wines while visiting wineries. Plus, its a great way to show others how handy the Pocket PC can be for non-geeks. I don't pull it out at dinner though, in the same way I would hesitate to pull out any kind of notes or books. That seems a bit too un-James Bond for me. 8)

The place it really shines is in a wine shop. Faced with hundreds of bottles of every description the wineries and the years start running together. With my list (and this app as well, I'd expect) I can shop with confidence. Being able to add my own notes means that if I don't agree with a review I won't make the same "mistake" :drinking: twice by trying a wine again. Also, it's a lot easier to compare prices between shops if you can keep your own notes.

Palm has had apps like this for some time, I'm glad to see the jump to Pocket PCs.

[dma1965]

I created a ListPro database which is VERY complete and it is free, and available at Handango or PocketGear. Here is the Handango link:

link (http://www.handango.com/PlatformProductDetail.jsp?siteId=1&jid=8FXA8ABD5F4E71XEX135FA4DF9A9ABX3&productId=50857&optionId=1_2_2&productType=2&catalog=30&txtSearch=wine§ionId=0&platformId=2)

If you like it, please post a review on the site. I like an occasional pat on the back. :mrgreen:

[Foo Fighter]

While we're on the subject, what is everyone's favorite wine(s)?

For everyday use I enjoy a good table wine like Fortant. But as a rule I greatly prefer German Riesling varieties. Light..sweet..and they go good with just about any summer meal.

[michael]

What if they thought you were a total geek for busting out your Pocket PC at a swanky restaurant? (Although, perhaps the sooner they find out, the better :D )

Don't hide your geekyness! I say embrace the geekyness and be proud of being a geek! If you're dating someone who won't be happy with the use of a PocketPC in a swanky restaurant then :byebye:

[Crystal Eitle]

While we're on the subject, what is everyone's favorite wine(s)?
For not-so-expensive wine, you just can't go wrong with Cotes du Rhone. I can usually pick up a great Rhone wine at my local liquor store for $8-$12. For more expensive wine, I really like Chateauneuf des Papes. I also like Australian shiraz and most cabernet sauvignons. (I don't really know too much about wine though :oops: )

[GetAFix]

This software would be really neat. Especially for those of us, who don't drink wine that frequently. This way we can get invited to wine testing events and kinda fake our knowledge of wines among the wine connoisseurs :lol:

-Getafix

[Icebaron]

I'd love to see something like this made for beers as well. I'm a particular fan of trappist-style and wheat beers, and have literally tried hundreds. While the real shining stars (Rochefort 10, Westmalle Trippel, LaTrappe Quadrupel...) will always remain fresh in my mind, there are many others that I'd like to try again but just cannot recall the names. In recent years, fine beers have been gaining ground in the mainstream, and I treat a good beer just as seriously as a good wine.

[Pat Logsdon]

While we're on the subject, what is everyone's favorite wine(s)?

I'm with you on the rieslings - the higher sugar content (late harvest, oh yeah) is what I like, but I always feel a bit embarrassed about having them with dinner, since they're supposed to be "dessert wines". :roll:

Aside from the riesling, there are several varieties I like - my favorite recent discovery is nebbiolo (http://eat.epicurious.com/dictionary/wine/index.ssf?DEF_ID=2127&ISWINE=T), but I always like cabernet sauvignon.

[Foo Fighter]

the higher sugar content (late harvest, oh yeah) is what I like,

Yep. Not too dry, not too sweet. And the alcohol content isn't bad, unlike French wines that can put you under the table after two glasses.

but I always feel a bit embarrassed about having them with dinner, since they're supposed to be "dessert wines". :roll:

True, but Riesling goes with just about any summer meal. Salads, pastas, BBQ meats.

[Jimmy Dodd]

While we're on the subject, what is everyone's favorite wine(s)?


Lately I've become very fond of Beaulieu Vineyard's (http://www.bvwines.com) 2000 Coastal Cabernet Sauvignon. Nice body, but at a very nice price for everyday enjoyment

[Jimmy Dodd]

I'm with you on the rieslings - the higher sugar content (late harvest, oh yeah) is what I like, but I always feel a bit embarrassed about having them with dinner, since they're supposed to be "dessert wines". :roll:


If you like sweet wines, we have a local winery, Tennessee Valley Winery (http://www.tennesseewines.com/tvw/), that makes a muscadine wine that you might enjoy. Probably too fruity for dinner, but really nice as a "snack."

[danmanmayer]

If they wont date you because your a geek you shouldn't be dating them anyways. There are plenty of fun geeks out there.

[Reza]

Finally!!! An application for rich, elitist, pseudo-intellectual snobs to foist their "knowledge" of fine wine upon the ignorant masses!
…or in my case this could be a career saver: being a French citizen living in the USA, I am inevitably asked to select the wine on business dinners. The problem is I only know the very basics of choosing a good wine and could easily end up one day in an embarrassing situation! So far at least faking it before the “ignorant masses” worked pretty smoothly… :D

[Foo Fighter]

being a French citizen

No, here we call them "Freedom citizens". :wink:

[epc]

Much better to simply taste many samples and remember the ones you like. Much more fun. Rieslings are great and come in many different sugar contents. But like all personal tastes some are better than others. Even bad wine is better than "soda" !!!

" wine the juice of the gods"
:devilboy:

[Anthony Caruana]

While we're on the subject, what is everyone's favorite wine(s)?
For not-so-expensive wine, you just can't go wrong with Cotes du Rhone. I can usually pick up a great Rhone wine at my local liquor store for $8-$12. For more expensive wine, I really like Chateauneuf des Papes. I also like Australian shiraz and most cabernet sauvignons. (I don't really know too much about wine though :oops: )

As an Aussie, I am very biased to local wines. In fact I very rarely drink any non-Austrlaian wines. Now that i have laid out my obvious bias I have to say that my favourite Austrlaian red wines are those made by Peter Lehmann, Grant Burge and Henschke. Although Grange Hermitage (made by Penfolds) is probably Austrlaia's most famous wine I don't beleive that is the best (although I don't get to sample it very often at $300AUD + per bottle. These are all South Austrlaian wines. BTW if you ever come to Austrlaia you must visit the Barossa Valley (about an hour or so from Adelaide. I last went a few years ago with my (then pregnant) wife and an empty car. We came home after a weekend with maxed ourt credit cards and a car full of wine.

If you are looking at white wines many of the Yarra Valley wineries in Victoria (south east corner of Australian mainland) make some great chardonnay.

If you find yourself in Melbourne PM me and I'll take you on a tour of the Yarra Valley (its only about 90 mins from my home)

[Anthony Caruana]

being a French citizen

No, here we call them "Freedom citizens". :wink:

In my part fo the world it's not unknown to call them the vandals of the South Pacific given their love of test detonating nuclear devices on small islands like Muraroa Attol.However, we like them now that they have stopped doing that in our backyard.

[Steven Cedrone]

Please...

The topic is the "Wine Enthusiast Guide for Pocket PC"...

Talk of wine tasting, preffered wines, etc. = O.K.
Talk of nukes, freedom fries, etc. = Bad

Don't make me use my "off-topic" borg emoticon... :wink:

Steven Cedrone
Community Moderator

[wirelessmod]

I would love to see a CANADIAN Pocket PC Wine Guide. One that actually lists wine available in Canada. Tony Aspler offers a Palm only wine guide.

[dh]

I was a big fan of Napa Cabs until the prices started to get out of control and I started to get broke. I still get some Napa wine every now and again such as Raymond but usually go further afield now.

At this very moment I'm enjoying a glass of Ridge California Coast Range, a Zinfandel based blend that is great at about $16.00 a bottle.

For cheapo red wine it's hard to beat the Gallo of Sonoma Cabernet and some of the nice and some of the nice wines from down under. (Not so cheapo these days either, but some bargains are still around).

[Reza]

I'm personally a sucker for a good Médoc (http://www.medoc-wines.com). :wink:

[dma1965]

While we're on the subject, what is everyone's favorite wine(s)?
For not-so-expensive wine, you just can't go wrong with Cotes du Rhone. I can usually pick up a great Rhone wine at my local liquor store for $8-$12. For more expensive wine, I really like Chateauneuf des Papes. I also like Australian shiraz and most cabernet sauvignons. (I don't really know too much about wine though :oops: )

my favourite Austrlaian red wines are those made by Peter Lehmann, Grant Burge and Henschke. Although Grange Hermitage (made by Penfolds) is probably Austrlaia's most famous wine I don't beleive that is the best (although I don't get to sample it very often at $300AUD + per bottle.

I too lean heavily toward the Aussie Shiraz, even thought I live in wine country out here in California. Aussie wine is just a super bargain for the incredible body you get. By far the my favorite Aussie winery is D'Arenberg winery, which is definitely a higher end and somewhat pricier Aussie winery, but everything they make is simply outstanding. If you ever want to splurge, try "The Dead Arm" Shiraz, which is made from grapes where 1/2 or one "Arm" of the Shiraz vine has died, causing the grapes on the living arm to become super fortified.

For a really special treat, try some Black Shiraz, which is an insanely intense sparkling Shiraz which is so extracted it appears black in the glass, with a gorgeous purple head. Just make sure you don't have to drive for a while, because it goes to your head faster than laughing gas! :mrgreen:

[dma1965]

I was a big fan of Napa Cabs until the prices started to get out of control and I started to get broke. I still get some Napa wine every now and again such as Raymond but usually go further afield now.

At this very moment I'm enjoying a glass of Ridge California Coast Range, a Zinfandel based blend that is great at about $16.00 a bottle.

For cheapo red wine it's hard to beat the Gallo of Sonoma Cabernet and some of the nice and some of the nice wines from down under. (Not so cheapo these days either, but some bargains are still around).

Yeah, I agree with you about the price of California cabs. They just got out of control. California Zin's used to be a great bargain (like Ridge Lytton Springs), but since they got "discovered", they too have gotten out of control. My current CA sweetheart varietal is Pinot Noir, but finding a good one for under $25 a bottle is like looking for a reliable Pocket PC with a phone! That is why I have ventured to Australian and Italian wines. You can get some amazing bargains with overseas wines, which just makes no sense at all, since CA wines are made right in my back yard, and they are out of reach, and there is certainly no shortage of grapes out here. :evil: