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Since 2001, The Wine School has offered a free monthly newsletter with wine reviews and articles. We have pulled a selection of them and post them here. Come back every few days for a sampling from our archives.

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From our October 2004 Newsletter. Get the new stuff for free: wine newsletter or check out our blog: wine ratings and reviews.

Flora Springs 2000 "Trilogy"* (California)
$22.99 in PA (Av. Retail:$45)
The last word in balance. A nose of cocoa and plum, the palate builds into a finish of herbs and currents. Loads of finely toasted oak.
Rating: B+

Bonny Doon Vineyards 2001 Syrah* (California)
$15 in PA (Av. Retail: $20)
A mouthful of black pepper and big red cherries.
Rating: B

Columbia Crest 2001 "Reserve" Syrah (Washington)
$23 in PA (Av. Retail: $28)
Just the way we like our Syrah: a big sandwich of gamy meats and altoids. May not sound pleasing, but it hits the brain like a jolt of pleasure. A bruiser of a wine, this wine is ripe (in both senses of the word) and rich. We will definitely open this during our Washington wine class.
Rating: A

Hope 2001 Chardonnay* (Australia)
$11 in PA (Not available elsewhere)
Nice interplay between aromas of raw oak and melon. On the palate, this explodes with a luxurious dose of grilled peaches and butter.
Rating: B+

Pio Cesare 1999 Barolo (Italy)
$30 in PA (Av. Retail: $65)
Tar, game(again with the game!), and ripe cherries: this is the introduction to excellent Barolo. The concentration of this bottle is astounding. Most reviews give this 20 years, but we doubt that. Drink this baby within 3 years.
Rating: A

Dry Creek Vineyards 2001 “Old Vines” Zinfandel* (California)
$11 in PA (Av. Retail: $20)
Spicy and loaded with jammy berries flavors, this is a very accessible Zin.
Rating: B

Apollonio 2000 "Terragnolo" Primitivo (Italy)
$11 in PA (Av. Retail: $14)
Spill a bottle of truffle oil in a vat of blackberries, and there you go. Impressive depth with a rustic edge. An Italian fruit bomb.
Rating: B

Rosemount Estate 2000 "Traditional" (Australia)
$15 in PA (Av. Retail: $18)
Surprisingly refined and elegant for this producer. Creamy cherries and toasty oak. A pure pleasure to drink.
Rating: B+

From our October 2004 Newsletter. Get the new stuff for free: wine newsletter or check out our blog: wine ratings and reviews.