The Auswine Forum

I refer to Grant Dodds posting "Elvis has entered the Building". Thank you, Grant, for the introduction . I was hoping to remain somewhat anonymous to begin with, but what the hell.

I stumbled accross this forum and managed to read almost every posting which proved extremely informative. Bravo!

I have been collecting for about 2 years and have about 300 bottles (98% Red) stored professionally in Sydney. Far away from the USA and my clutches. I guess this helps to keep me from temptation though.

I am caddying (Caddie is the noun) in the Canadian Open (for Dean Wilson) this week having driven up from the states. On the way I passed many wineries just accross the border from Buffalo in Ontario including Inniskillen. I had heard of this winery from an American wine publication reviewing Canadian Ice Wine and wondered (1) if anyone had tasted these types of wine? Is it worth buying a couple?

2) Cellar Software - I'm using a Demo version of WineBase and want to know if it is worth purchasing the licensed version or another cellar software package?

3) Cellar diversity - I love Reds but think that I should start to cellar some whites as well, to provide variety when my tastes may develop. Any tips, suggestions on must have's in the cellar? Or things you wished you'd started cellaring years ago?


Cheers
Elvino (As some of my peers have taken to calling me)

Hi Elvino,

Welcome to Gavin's joint.

There is a much better version of a wine database around. It has been written by our own Red Bigot (Brian) and besides being the best around, the price is right. It costs the same as it does to Subscribe to the Irregular Update (yours is on its way) - i.e. its free.

Canadian Ice Wine is bloody fantastic. Buy a heap, you wont find them in this part of the world easily or cheaply.

As to the thought of buying other c-throughs "because you tastes may change" - why not buy an insurance policy in case you get struck by a meteorite whilst in the shower.

Stick to the good opaque stuff, stickies excluded.

ELvino,
in answer to (1) - Iniskillin Icewine is now availabe in Aus and NZ though you will be lucky to find it for under a hundred bucks (in NZ at least). I was able to taste the range of wines and they are all very good, the Sparkling Riesling Ice wine is a rarity and the Iniskillin Vidal Oak Aged Icewine is something very very special - in my opinion the best in the range. But if you like bitter chocolate you won't want to go past the Inniskillin Cabernet Franc Icewine. All the wines have incredible concentration and no botrytis. whatsoever.
It is definitely worth stopping by the Niagara escarpment wineries and picking up a few treats if you get the chance.
Cheers,
Sue