The Grind - Seasoned News from Pepper Tree

SEASONED NEWS

Wine

Reviews 2015 Wine Club Event Calendar

FROM PEPPER TREE

Summer Christmas Specials

ISSUE 21 SUMMER 2014 Pepper Tree Masquerade Gala Dinner

Vintage Update

from Winemaker Scott Comyns

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Staff Profile Brittany Watson

Welcome

Cellar Door Sales & Contango Barista How long have you been working at Pepper Tree for? A year and about 3 months or so.

The Pepper Tree team are excited to welcome in the festive season after a busy and successful 2014! The Cellar Door team are preparing to welcome many visitors over the holiday season and showcase some of the new and exciting wines we are about to release for sampling!

What do you believe to be Pepper Tree’s greatest strength? It would have to be the Cellar Door team, we all work really well together.

What is your favourite Pepper Tree wine currently available? Tempranillo.

I love its up front fruity flavour and the fact it isn’t too heavy. Perfect summer red!

It has been another successful year on the Wine Show circuit, and we are proud of the major accolades the winery has received including the recent Trophy for the ‘Most Successful Exhibitor of Show’ at the 2014 Limestone Coast Wine Show, along with a trophy for the Best ‘Other Single Red Varietal’ for the 2012 Single Vineyard ‘14 Shores’ Wrattonbully Merlot.

Our award winning vineyards have certainly paid dividends this year with our 2011 Pepper Tree Single Vineyard ‘Tallawanta’ Hunter Valley Shiraz collecting four trophies at the 2014 Clear Image Hunter Valley Wine Show including the prestigious Doug Seabrook Memorial Trophy for “Best Red Wine of the Show!”

This makes it the second year in a row Pepper Tree has taken out this title which is a wonderful achievement for Scott and the winemaking team! Not to forget about our Chief Winemaker Scott Comyns career highlight of becoming a ‘Len Evans Tutorial’ Scholar, which is described as ‘the most exclusive wine school in the world...’

James Halliday.

We hope to see you and your families over the festive season. Wine Club Members please contact us prior to your visit to book into the Members Tasting Lounge as this is one of the busiest times of the year! Our Cellar Door will be open 7 days per week – excluding Christmas Day. We have a great range of wines available for tasting including our new releases – see page 5! Be sure to stop by our Coffee House ‘Contango’ for a freshly ground coffee after your tasting!

What recently released wine do you think our members should keep an eye out for? Polly Fumé. It’s the first time we’ve released a Polly Fumé and it’s an interesting style for a Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blend.

If you could have dinner with 3 people of your choice who would it be?

Sophia Bush, Channing Tatum and Jennifer Lawrence.

What is your favourite restaurant to visit in the Hunter Valley?

Bistro Molines in Mount View.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Go out, catch up with friends, beach and read.

What is your favourite coffee bean in Contango? III Bean Classic Blend.

It isn’t too strong and the Brazilian and Guatemalan smooth out the Ethiopian beans.

What is the strangest question someone has asked you?

Do you put Pepper in the wines from the Pepper Trees to get the spice?

Keep up to date with what has been happening at Pepper Tree through the eyes of social media!

PTW Staff getting ready for our Sydney Harbour Cruises

Scott at Vino Paradiso in Sydney

Masterclass at the Spring Food & Wine Celebration

Guests enjoying the Spring Food & Wine Celebration

Valued Pet Club Member Molly visiting the Cellar Door

Scott cracking eggs into a barrel to fine Q4 wines

From all of the team here at Pepper Tree we would like to thank you for your valued support over 2014 and are looking forward to welcoming in 2015!

Wishing you and your families a very merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year!

Cheers,

The Pepper Tree Team PepperTreeWines

2

THE GRIND

ISSUE 21

SUMMER 2014

PepperTreeWine

peppertreewines

Summer Specials ‘Cold Drip’ Coffee We thought it was time for a little experiment...

After reading a lot of articles about the ‘Cold Drip Coffee’ process, we discovered that coffee extracted at a high temperature, can facilitate the release of undesirable flavour elements within coffee.

Much like wine, a roasted coffee bean contains many compounds however these are extracted during the brewing process.

Some of those compounds, including certain oils and fatty acids are soluble only at a high temperature.

After raiding the winery lab and rigging up our own ‘Cold Drip Coffee’ apparatus (please see the image below), we found that after a two to six hour brewing process this produced a rich, syrupy concentrate that was perfectly balanced and had a clean and distinctively smooth finish.

It’s surprising, but when extracted without heat you will still find all of the flavour elements and all of the caffeine content in the resulting liquid. It also softens all of the sharper oils and acids usually found in an espresso.

You can try our ‘Cold Drip Coffee’ at Contango today...

Ask our experienced Baristas!

OPEN DAILY

9.30am to 3.30pm

SAVE

3

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ISSUE 21

SAVE

$72.00

$72.00

$105.00

+ free freight

+ free freight

+ free freight

1

Summer Mixed Dozen

2

Summer White Dozen

3

Summer Red Dozen

Receive 3 bottles of each:

Receive 3 bottles of each:

Receive 3 bottles of each:

2014 Limited Release Orange Sauvignon Blanc

2014 Limited Release Hunter Valley Semillon

2013 Limited Release Orange Pinot Noir

2014 Limited Release Hunter Valley Semillon

2014 Limited Release Polly Fumé Hunter Valley Orange Semillon Sauvignon Blanc

2012 Limited Release Wrattonbully “Classics” Cabernet Merlot

2014 Limited Release Hunter Valley Verdelho

2013 Limited Release “The Pebbles” Wrattonbully Shiraz Viognier 2010 Reserve “14 Shores” Wrattonbully Merlot

2014 Limited Release Wrattonbully Pinot Gris

2010 Reserve “Elderslee Road” Wrattonbully Cabernet Sauvignon

*Tasting Notes included

*Tasting Notes included

*Tasting Notes included

Wine Club Members Case Special

Wine Club Members Case Special

Wine Club Members Case Special

$210.00

$210.00

$ 312.00

2013 Limited Release “The Pebbles” Wrattonbully Shiraz Viognier

+ Free

Cold Drip Coffee Pepper Tree Style

SAVE

To place your order simply complete the attached Order Form or follow the links to our Online Shop

+ Free

+ Free

Freight

Freight

Freight

RRP $282.00

RRP $282.00

RRP $ 417.00

SUMMER 2014

News from the Winemaker In the Winery

In the Vineyard

The year is quickly coming to an end and there is still so much more to do in the Winery before the Christmas break!

The Hunter got away to a great start, sunny days and the occasional rainfall has seen the vineyards flourish. At the moment there is plenty of water in the dams, to help maintain the vines over the summer period, the great weather conditions has meant that there is little to no risk of disease and pest. Let’s just hope we can score another great year like 2014! Last year we started Vintage very early. We are expecting to pick our first grapes around mid-January, that’s about two weeks later than last year!

The team is currently finalising the 2013 premium reds ready for bottle. ‘The Pebbles’ Shiraz Viognier, ‘The Gravels’ Shiraz Viognier, ‘14 Shores’ Merlot, ‘Elderslee Road’ Cabernet Sauvignon, ‘Calcare’ Cabernet Sauvignon the ‘Strandlines’ Cabernet Shiraz and again the ‘8R’ Merlot and the ‘Block 21A’ Cabernet Sauvignon. Plenty of eggs are being cracked and added. Dexter the Dog, has had his fair share of egg yolks!

These 2013 reds definitely command some attention. Rich, vibrant and well structured, making it two great vintages in a row.

Cheers, Scott Comyns

On the white side of the spectrum, our 2014 ‘Venus Block’ Chardonnay is about to be pulled out of oak, to spend the next couple of months in tank on its lees before bottling in early January. While in tank, this wine will be regularly stirred to enhance body, softness and complexity.

Before vacating the winery over Christmas, we are making sure all barrels are topped (there are over 1,000 barrels to taste and top!) and making sure the winery is clean and ready for the 2015 Vintage, which is just around the corner!

Through the success of the 2012 Vintage, Pepper Tree was awarded the Trophy for ‘The Most Successful Exhibitor’ at the Limestone Coast Wine Show. Also picking up the trophy for the best Merlot for the 2012 Reserve ‘14 Shores’ Wrattonbully Merlot!

CLUB Limited spaces are available for this exclusive Club!

Contact us today for an information package!

Join this exclusive membership and receive first priority access to all Reserve and Single Vineyard wines upon release, along with additional discounts and extensive privileges. Membership is available to a limited number of members and holds an increased commitment of 2 cases per quarter.

Members are offered flexibility with their choice of wine received along with the Winemakers personal recommendations per quarter.

For an information package and membership form, please call the Wine Club on 1800 655 965 or email katedh@peppertreewines.com.au

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ISSUE 21

Some of the extensive benefits of the ‘Q4’ Club include: • Receive 20% off Grand Reserve, Reserve, Single Vineyard and Limited Release Ranges • 30% off all Varietal Range • Complimentary invitation for you and your guest to attend one of Pepper Tree’s Member Events of your choice throughout the year • Invitation to exclusive ‘Q4’ events such as the Benchmark Tasting, Winemaker’s Table Luncheon and ‘Q4’ Christmas Cruise • Detailed tasting notes included in every wine delivery • James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion upon release each year signed by our Chief Winemaker Scott Comyns • Voucher for two at ‘Chef Hatted’ Restaurant Bistro Molines, Mount View to the value of $150.00 along with a bottle of Sparkling ‘Silenus’ to enjoy on your arrival • Free freight Australia wide on all purchases plus much more...

‘Q4’ stands behind our philosophy of providing ‘Quality’ wine on a ‘Quarterly’ basis.

SUMMER 2014

WINE REVIEW We are pleased to introduce you to the first release of our ‘Polly Fumé’ Semillon Sauvignon Blanc and our Pinot Noir from Orange.

Limited Release 2014 ‘Polly Fumé’ Hunter Valley | Orange Semillon Sauvignon Blanc This special release Semillon Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from two vineyards in the Hunter Valley and Orange.

This wine is our take on a traditional old world white wine style.

Chief Winemaker, Scott Comyns states; “This is the first release of our new Polly Fumé. A name derived from the French appellation of Pouilly Fumé. As opposed to the French 100% barrel ferment Sauvignon Blanc, the Polly Fumé is a blend of 70% Hunter Valley Semillon and 30% Sauvignon Blanc from Orange, still made in the traditional method of barrel fermentation in larger format French oak.

The result is a fragrant, crisp white wine, with layers of complexity.

The Sauvignon Blanc adds the perfume and the succulent fruit sweetness on the palate, while the Semillon provides length and purity to the wine.

A wine to be enjoyed now through the spring and summer months, however also has the potential to age for 5 years.”

Tasting Notes This wine is a full bodied, complex white wine that is a blend of barrel fermented Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. The Semillon provides the wine with minerality, finesse and a fresh and lively character while the Sauvignon Blanc has developed an unrivalled complexity and an aromatic palate.

Limited Release 2013 Orange Pinot Noir Chief Winemaker, Scott Comyns states; “Another first for Pepper Tree. A wine that many of our members have been screaming out for. Finally I can say that I am proud of what we were able to achieve with some great looking fruit off our young Pinot Noir vines in Orange.

A young planting of the best Pinot Noir clones, I am looking forward to seeing this vineyard continue to improve with years to come.

This delicate wine had minimal finings and coarse filtration, allowing the wine to shine true. A medium bodied Pinot with delicate red berry fruit and an underlying darkness. This balanced with a velvet tannin structure from some careful use of oak maturation, adds to the overall complexity of this wine. Enjoy now or mature this wine for up to 5 to 8 years.”

Tasting Notes The 2013 Pinot Noir showcases exceptional fruit qualities and regional characteristics true to this style.

The elegant cool climate Pinot Noir displays a nose of forest floor and red fruits, balanced by a complex palate with subtle hints of raspberries and delicate tannins lingering into the finish.

Click here for Detailed Tasting Notes

Click here for Detailed Tasting Notes

Club Member Price $23.50

Club Member Price $25.50

‘Q4’ Member Price $22.40

‘Q4’ Member Price $24.00

RRP $28.00

RRP $30.00

THE GRIND

ISSUE 21

SUMMER 2014

5

Pepper Tree Wines Gala Dinner

Masquerade!

The Pepper Tree team are delighted to invite you to a spectacular evening in the Hunter Valley for our bi-annual Gala Dinner!

Dress in your stunning masquerade attire – a number of prizes will be awarded including best dressed and most creative headpiece!

Enjoy canapés on arrival followed by an exquisite menu specifically created

by Executive Chef Gavin Robertson that has been matched to a selection of premium Pepper Tree Wines!

When: Saturday 14th March 2015 Where: Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, 430 Wine Country Dr, Lovedale Time: 6.30pm – 11.00pm Dress: Masquerade Theme – Formal/Cocktail Tickets: $145.00 per person – inclusive of food and wine RSVP: RSVP by Friday 27th February 2015 (Tickets are limited) Special accommodation rates are available at Crowne Plaza for Wine Club Members and guests!

Contact us for more details. To book phone Freecall 1800 655 965 or email ptwclub@peppertreewines.com.au

2015 Wine Club

EVENTS

Calendar 6

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ISSUE 21

Month

Date

JAN

Function

Venue

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

FEB

Fri 20th

Sydney Members’ Dinner

Venue to be confirmed

MaR

Sat 14th

Gala Dinner – Masquerade

Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley NSW

APR

Fri 17th

Brisbane April Members’ Dinner

Moda Restaurant Brisbane QLD

SAT 23RD

Annual Harvest Luncheon (taking wait list)

Roberts Restaurant Pokolbin NSW

SAT 30th

Annual Harvest Luncheon

Roberts Restaurant Pokolbin NSW

MAY

To Book please email ptwclub@peppertreewines.com.au or phone Freecall 1800 655 965 Conditions: Event details subject to change. Due to the extremely high and growing demand, some events may have set ticket limitations per membership.

SUMMER 2014

We were excited to host this inaugural event on Saturday 18th October 2014, utilising the beautiful grounds of Pepper Tree!

We were extremely fortunate for perfect weather to soak up the sun and sip on Pepper Tree wines while enjoying the smooth tunes of The Big Bang! Andrew Wright from the Cellar Restaurant cooked up a fabulous meal including Suckling Pig Sliders and Paella!

Thank you to all those who attended this great event, we look forward to seeing you all back again next year!

Friday 7th & Saturday 8th November, 2014 Sydney Harbour The team once again ventured down to the beautiful Sydney Harbour to host our Annual Sydney Harbour Cruises! We were again blessed with two days of spectacular weather to set sail on the Commissioner II. Guests took in the stunning surrounds of the beautiful harbour while sipping on Pepper Tree’s new releases!

Guests disembarked after their 3 hour journey and received their ‘Pepper Tree Wine 2014 Sydney Harbour Collector Glass!’ Thank you once again to all those who attended.

7

THE GRIND

ISSUE 21

SUMMER 2014

5

minutes with...

Nanook

We are delighted to introduce you to one of our valued Pet Club members – Nanook.

Age: 2.5 years Breed: Alaskan Malamute

ONLY

39.95

$

Nanook with his furr y fam ily.

Nanook is the Ala skan nam e for ‘Polar Bear.’

Favourite Food: Black Hawk dog food for dinner, but you name it for everything in between Favourite Toy: Too many to choose from. But to pick Squeaky Tiger. If you were to line up 5 of his favourites and ask for what you want him to bring you, he will bring the one you asked for.

Pet Hate: Not been able to go in the car when his owners go to work. Loves being in the back and going to the local markets on the weekends for pats and cuddles from anyone that can share these with him.

A day in the life of Nanook: Nanook loves the morning walks and lets you know when it’s time! He sleeps most of the day with all his toys till we get home, off for another walk to see his friends at the local park. Back home to have dinner with Mum and Dad and then he lies on the couch and watches ‘I Fish’ - he knows the Tackle rat when he comes on.

Other info about Nanook: Nanook is a very loving boy and we get stopped a fair bit and asked lots of questions about him.

He is more than happy to share kisses with the young and old.

He has visited the local aged care home to say hello to those that want to say G’Day and let him lick the crumbs off their cheeks. He is also involved with the local Rescue dog group (Shamroq - Shybirian Husky and Malamute rescue of QLD) we run far and wide to collect and foster other dogs in need and he takes it in his stride to have visitors.

Pepper Tree Pet Club Ambassador Dexter would like to welcome your furry family member to join the Pepper Tree Pet Club!

Being a family owned business, we understand the importance of including the entire family into the Wine Club, hence why we have extended our membership to include your canine friend.

One off Joining fee of $39.95 Receive a Pepper Tree Pet Lead (Members Price $18.00) Treat for your furry friend in your Wine Club commitment case Membership Certificate Complimentary bowl of water and treat upon their visit to the winery 1 bottle of Pepper Tree Varietal Range wine

86 Halls Road, Pokolbin NSW 2320 AUSTRALIA P 02 4909 7100

F 02 4998 7746

Freecall 1800 655 965

E ptwclub@peppertreewines.com.au

www.peppertreewines.com.au

Printed on 100% Post Consumer Waste Recycled, Carbon Neutral Paper. FSC Certified.

TO ORDER: Phone 1800 655 965 or print page, complete & fax to 1800 247 746 or email to ptwclub@peppertreewines.com.au VARIETAL

REGION

VINTAGE

RRP

CLUB BTL

BTL QTY

CLUB CASE

Summer Christmas Specials

6 PACK

Summer Mixed Dozen

$210.00

Summer White Dozen

$210.00

Summer Red Dozen

$312.00

GRAND RESERVE RANGE

6 PACK

"8R" Merlot

Wrattonbully

2012

$60.00

$51.00

"Strandlines" Cabernet Shiraz

Wrattonbully

2012

$55.00

$46.50

$306.00 $279.00

Hunter Valley

2014

$35.00

$29.50

$354.00

Orange

2013

$35.00

$29.50

$354.00

‘Venus Block’ Chardonnay ‘14 Shores’ Merlot

Wrattonbully

2010

$42.00

$35.50

$426.00

‘The Gravels’ Shiraz Viognier

Wrattonbully

2010

$42.00

$35.50

$426.00

‘Coquun’ Shiraz

Hunter Valley

2011

$60.00

$51.00

$612.00

‘Elderslee Road’ Cabernet Sauvignon

Wrattonbully

2010

$42.00

$35.50

$426.00

12 PACK

SINGLE VINEYARD - LIMITED RELEASE "Rhodes" Semillon

Hunter Valley

2014

$28.00

$23.50

$282.00

"Tallavera" Shiraz

Hunter Valley

2013

$45.00

$38.00

$456.00

Orange

2011

$40.00

$34.00

$408.00

Hunter Valley

2014

$22.00

$19.00

$228.00

Orange

2014

$22.00

$19.00

$228.00

Hunter Valley

2014

$22.00

$19.00

$228.00

12 PACK

LIMITED RELEASE RANGE "Silenus" Sparkling Semillon Sauvignon Blanc Verdelho Pinot Gris

Wrattonbully

2014

$22.00

$19.00

$228.00

Viognier

Wrattonbully

2013

$22.00

$19.00

$228.00

"Polly Fumé"

Hunter | Orange

2014

$28.00

$23.50

$282.00

Chardonnay

Hunter Valley

2013

$22.00

$19.00

$228.00

Chardonnay

Wrattonbully

2013

$22.00

$19.00

$228.00

Rosé - Shiraz Merlot

Hunter Valley

2014

$23.50

$20.00

$240.00

Orange

2013

$30.00

$25.50

$306.00

Pinot Noir Tempranillo

Wrattonbully

2013

$25.00

$21.00

$252.00

Merlot

Wrattonbully

2012

$25.00

$21.00

$252.00

"Classics" Cabernet Merlot

Wrattonbully

2012

$25.00

$21.00

$252.00

"The Pebbles" Shiraz Viognier

Wrattonbully

2013

$25.00

$21.00

$252.00

Orange

2013

$25.00

$21.00

$252.00

Hunter Valley

2013

$35.00

$29.50

$354.00

Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz

12 PACK

VARIETAL RANGE Semillon Sauvignon Blanc

Varietal

2014

$18.00

$15.00

$180.00

Verdelho

Varietal

2014

$18.00

$15.00

$180.00

Pinot Gris

Varietal

2013

$18.00

$15.00

$180.00

Chardonnay

Varietal

2013

$18.00

$15.00

$180.00

Merlot

Varietal

2013

$18.00

$15.00

$180.00

Cabernet Sauvignon

Varietal

2013

$18.00

$15.00

$180.00

Shiraz

Varietal

2013

$18.00

$15.00

$180.00

12 PACK

DESSERT & FORTIFIED Late Harvest "Sticky Pig" Pinot Gris

TOTAL

12 PACK

RESERVE RANGE ‘Alluvius’ Semillon

CASE QTY

Wrattonbully

2014

$25.00

$21.00

$252.00

12 PACK

MIXED DOZENS Mixed Dozen

~

~

~

~

$259.50

White Dozen

~

~

~

~

$250.00

Red Dozen

~

~

~

~

$283.00

Freight $12.00 per case | Wine Club Members $8.00 per case TOTAL $

Q4 Club Prices will be adjusted accordingly

Full Name:_______________________________________________ Membership No:___________________ D.O.B._____________________ Delivery Address:__________________________________________ Town/City:_______________________ State:_____ P/Code:_________ Delivery Instructions: (please circle) Front Door Back Door Reception Other:_____________________________________________ Work Ph:________________________________Home: __________________________________ Mobile:______________________________ Email:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ FOR YOUR SECURITY DETAILS BELOW THIS POINT WILL BE Payment Method: Visa Mastercard Diners Club American Express DESTROYED ONCE THE ORDER IS PROCESSED. Card No.

Expiry Date:

/

CVV No.

Card Holders Name:_______________________________________ Signature:___________________________________________________ Date of birth must be provided to comply with Liquor Act requirements. By providing your contact information you are giving Pepper Tree Wines permission to contact you periodically via mail, phone and email with future special offers and promotions for an indefinite period. Pepper Tree Wines Pty Ltd Liquor Licence Number 2400 3080. ABN: 67000 055 470. Liquor Act 1982- IT IS AN OFFENCE TO SELL OR TO SUPPLY TO OBTAIN LIQUOR ON BEHALF OF A PERSON UNDER THE AGE OF 18 YEARS.