'The Grind - Seasoned news from Pepper Tree'

SEASONED NEWS FROM PEPPER TREE

AUTUMN SPECIALS WINE REVIEWS

ISSUE 22

2015

Vintage Update

AUTUMN 2015 2015 Wine Club Events Calendar

by Winemaker Scott Comyns

Pepper Tree Masquerade Gala Dinner

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Staff Profile

Welcome It’s all hands on deck at Pepper Tree with the 2015 Vintage (#V15) well underway!

We’ve received some excellent parcels of fruit in the winery and the staff are all eagerly awaiting the 2015 whites soon to be bottled! Check out Page 4 for Scott’s 2015 Vintage update.

We have a number of exciting Wine Club events coming up such as our Masquerade Gala Dinner to be held at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley on Saturday 14th March 2015. Tickets are still available to this event, feel free to bring along friends and family to enjoy a night of fabulous wine, food and entertainment! Call the Wine Club on 1800 655 965 to book!

Have a look at our 2015 Wine Club Events Calendar on Page 7 for our upcoming events - some of our events do book out fast so please contact us to let us know if you are interested in attending.

Our Cellar Door team look forward to welcoming you upon your next visit to the Cellar Door in 2015! We have added some new release wines to our range that are available to taste in the Cellar Door and the staff look forward to introducing you to them. Please let us know when you plan to visit the Hunter next so that we can book you into the Members’ Tasting Lounge.

Sit back and enjoy sampling some of the new release wines alongside a cheese plate.

Emma Redgrove Cellar Door Sales How long have you been working at Pepper Tree Wines for?

5 months, I started in September 2014.

What do you like most about working at Pepper Tree Wines? The family dynamic of the team, there is good communication on all levels and when it’s our Birthday we get birthday cake!

What is your favourite Pepper Tree wine currently available?

2012 Grand Reserve Strandlines. My palate is definitely into the heavier style reds at the moment.

What has been the funniest or most memorable moment that you have experienced while working at PTW? Definitely the giant Segway games and races we had at our Christmas party, it got very competitive! Especially after a few glasses of wine!

What has been the strangest comment/question someone has said?

A man came in and asked if we reuse the wine that’s in the spittoons?!!

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

My Dad (he is definitely a legend and my biggest supporter), Richard Branson and Robin Williams.

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

There are so many incredible places to eat in the Hunter so it’s very hard to just name one. So instead I’ll name my top three: Esca, Bistro Molines and Muse.

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

Our 2015 Hunter Valley Chardonnay

Our Vintage Cellar Hand Simon crushing the whole bunch Shiraz

We can’t get enough of our new signs!

The first of our 2015 Shiraz is in!

Roasting has begun at Contango Espresso Roasters

The rain has stopped and the sun is shining!

We look forward to welcoming you, your friends and family to Pepper Tree soon!

Cheers, The Pepper Tree Team

Don’t forget to #peppertreewines when enjoying your next glass or bottle!

PepperTreeWines

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ISSUE 22

AUTUMN 2015

PepperTreeWine

peppertreewines

Autumn Specials

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

F E AT U R E B E A N

India Monsoon Malabar Aa Coffee grown in the highlands in Karnataka and Kerala states is first naturally processed and dried as normal but the coffee is then brought down to sea level on the Malabar Coast - from where it takes its name, near Mangalore Port. Here the coffee is exposed to the humid and salty air blowing in off the Indian Ocean for a period of about three to four months, causing the beans to swell and lose the original acidity, resulting in a smooth brew with a practically neutral pH balance.

Preferred brewing method is espresso. This coffee is heavy in style, dry with chocolate, spice and nutty notes.

Sydney Royal Fine Food Show AWARDS 2015 Ethiopian Yirgacheffe III Bean Classics

SAVE

Bronze

OPEN DAILY

9.30am to 3.30pm

$75.00

$75.00

+ free freight

+ free freight

+ free freight

1

Autumn White Dozen

2

Autumn Red Dozen

Receive 3 bottles of each:

Receive 3 bottles of each:

2014 Limited Release ‘Rhodes’ Hunter Valley Semillon

2012 Limited Release Wrattonbully Merlot

2014 Limited Release ‘Rhodes’ Hunter Valley Semillon

2014 Limited Release Orange Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Limited Release Wrattonbully Pinot Gris 2013 Limited Release Wrattonbully Viognier *Tasting Notes included

$210.00 + Free

Freight

2012 Limited Release Wrattonbully ‘Classics’ Cabernet Merlot 2013 Limited Release ‘The Pebbles’ Wrattonbully Shiraz Viognier 2013 Limited Release Orange Cabernet Sauvignon *Tasting Notes included

Wine Club Members Case Special

$225.00 + Free

Freight

RRP $300.00

2014 Limited Release Wrattonbully Pinot Gris 2013 Limited Release ‘The Pebbles’ Wrattonbully Shiraz Viognier 2013 Limited Release Orange Cabernet Sauvignon *Tasting Notes included

Wine Club Members Case Special

$225.00 + Free

Freight

RRP $300.00

Smooth Cappuccino from ‘Contango’

THE GRIND

3

Autumn Mixed Dozen

Receive 3 bottles of each:

RRP $282.00

3

SAVE

$72.00

Wine Club Members Case Special

Bronze

SAVE

ISSUE 22

AUTUMN 2015

News from the

Winemaker Scott Com y ns 2 014 L e n E vans S chol ar

Vintage 2015

Harvest Lunch

Hunter

The perfect way to celebrate the end of the vintage!

A somewhat difficult year trying to make picking decisions around rain events, some of which were not even predicted!

Harvest started much later than last year, which gave us time in the winery to recover from our Christmas hangovers!

The Annual Harvest Luncheon is on again on Saturday 23rd May & Saturday 30th May. This is always such a great day that is enjoyed by all and a fun opportunity to taste the new Vintage wines before they go on sale!

The Hunter Vintage is all but over and I am happy to say that we have some high quality parcels to play with and I am looking forward to seeing these in bottle shortly!

Cheers, Scott Comyns

Orange A warm dry season in Orange has led to early picking of low to moderate crops. First off was the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir for the ‘Silenus’ Sparkling base. Orange has only just started, so regular trips are required at the moment. The ‘Venus Block’ Chardonnay is due to come in next and I think all white varieties will follow soon after. All looks great in the vineyard.

Wrattonbully An early frost event followed by a short heatwave in South Australia late last year during fruit set, has had a dramatic effect on our yields. We will be about 50% down on our crops from last year. On a good note, the reduced crop means better flavour and an early ripening season. This will be the first season where I have seen whites from all three regions coming in at the same time, with Chardonnay and Pinot Gris first into the winery.

Masquerade Ball I am looking forward to attending my first Pepper Tree Wines Gala Dinner this year! Hosting the event here in the Hunter means I can easily duck off from the winery to attend!

I hope you have all picked out some great masks and I look forward to seeing you there!

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AUTUMN 2015

WINE REVIEW Limited Release 2014 ‘Rhodes’ Hunter Valley Semillon We are pleased to provide you with the special release of our ‘Rhodes’ Hunter Valley Semillon. A classic Semillon from the Hunter Valley, a perfect accompaniment to the warmer days in autumn with a selection of fresh seafood!

Tasting Notes This special release Semillon is sourced from two classic vineyards on Hermitage Road in the lower Hunter Valley. Vibrant aromas of lemongrass and lime articulate this classic Hunter Semillon.

The palate is intense yet elegant, displaying mineral texture with great line and length. A wine of great drive, coupled with extraordinary finesse.

A classic Hunter Semillon to be enjoyed now or will reward with extended cellaring.

Vintage Notes Vintage 2014 started the season with good rain and budburst in late August. A very good growing season with warm mild weather. Whites ripened very early and harvest started on January 8th. Ripening proceeded smoothly with no rain and no excessive heat. All whites were picked in good condition with very good flavour and balance. Excellent vintage.

Awards Gold

Gold

Gold

Silver

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(Class 4) Hunter Valley Wine Show 2014 (Class 19) Royal Melbourne Wine Show 2014 (Class 6) National Wine Show of Australia 2014 (Class 5) Royal Queensland Wine Show 2014

Reserve 2013 ‘Coquun’ Hunter Valley Shiraz We are pleased to announce the release of our extremely popular ‘Coquun’ Shiraz 2013 Vintage.

The inspiration for the name ”Coquun” came from the Aboriginal Dreaming, when the Hunter River (Valley) was referred to as “the Coquun” by its first inhabitants, the Wonnaurua (’people of the hills and plains’). It is believed that the Wonnaurua have occupied the Hunter for at least 30,000 years.

Tasting Notes Concentrated aromas of mulberry and blackberry, complexed by spice notes and well integrated savoury oak.

A fruit driven Shiraz displaying sweet berry fruits balanced by fine tannins and subtle oak complexity providing a classically elegant finish.

Vintage Notes A dry winter and early spring was followed with good rains early in the growing season. Crop levels were low and bursts of hot dry weather led to early ripening of whites. Warm dry weather in early February 2013 saw most of the Shiraz harvested at good sugar levels with nice flavour balance. Very good vintage.

Awards and Reviews (97 Points) Gourmet Traveller Wine ( Jan/Feb 2015) “Pepper Tree has released two great 2013 reds from the historic Tallawanta Vineyard in Pokolbin. The other is the Tallawanta Shiraz 2013, which is a massive wine that will live for 40 or 50 years.

I marginally prefer the Coquun for its greater elegance. Smokey coal-dust regional characters, raspberry, cherry, violet and spices; a beautiful and concentrated wine. Drink for 35+ years.”

Huon Hooke

Click here for Detailed Tasting Notes

Click here for Detailed Tasting Notes

Club Member Price $23.50

Club Member Price $59.50

‘Q4’ Member Price $22.40

‘Q4’ Member Price $56.00

RRP $28.00

RRP $70.00

ISSUE 22

AUTUMN 2015

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ISSUE 22

AUTUMN 2015

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!

Tickets st ill available

BOOK NOW!

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

Annual Sydney Members’ Dinner Friday 20th February 2015 Baroque Bistro, The Rocks We were delighted to host our first Wine Club event for 2015 at the extremely popular Baroque Bistro for another fabulous night of fine food perfectly matched to a selection of premium Pepper Tree Wines by the new Head Chef Enrique Lions. The evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Thank you to all those who attended.

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ISSUE 22

AUTUMN 2015

Month

Date

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)

Circa 1876 ( formally Roberts Restaurant) Pokolbin NSW

SAT 30th

Annual Harvest Luncheon (taking wait list)

Circa 1876 ( formally Roberts Restaurant) Pokolbin NSW

JUN

Fri 19th

Canberra Members’ Dinner

The Boat House by the Lake Barton ACT

JUL

Fri 17th

Brisbane Members’ Dinner

Venue TBC

SUN 9th

Pooch Picnic

Pepper Tree Wines Pokolbin NSW

SAT 15th

‘Q4’ Winemakers Table Luncheon

The Winery Pepper Tree Wines Pokolbin NSW

FRI 11TH

Melbourne Members’ Dinner

Matteo’s Restaurant

FRI 25TH

Sydney Members’ Dinner

Venue TBC

SAT 17th

Spring Food & Wine Celebration

Pepper Tree Wines Pokolbin NSW

Fri 13th

Sydney Harbour Evening Cruise 7-10pm

Sydney Harbour NSW

SAT 14TH

Sydney Harbour Afternoon Cruise 2-5pm

Sydney Harbour NSW

SUN 6th

‘Q4’ Christmas Cruise 2-5pm

Sydney Harbour NSW

2015

Function

MAY

Wine Club

EVENTS

Calendar

AUG

SEP OCT

NOV

DEC

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

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.

Venue

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...

For an information package and membership form, please call the Pepper Tree Wine Club on 1800 655 965 or email ptwclub@peppertreewines.com.au ‘Q4’ stands behind our philosophy of providing ‘Quality’ wine on a ‘Quarterly’ basis.

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ISSUE 22

AUTUMN 2015

5

minutes with...

Latte

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

Age: 6 years

ONLY

39.95

$

Latte relaxing in the shade

Breed: Chocolate Labrador Favourite Food: If it’s edible I’ll eat it.

Favourite Toy: My grey mouse and blanky.

Pet Hate: If Jet (Grandma and Grandpas dog) is too excitable.

Mum being to clingy for cuddles while chilling on the lounge.

A day in the life of Latte: “I normally wake up and have a yummy chicken leg for brekkie.

I get Mum and Dad’s attention and get lots of tummy rubs. I go to Grandma and Grandpa’s when Mum and Dad go to work (and go straight to the biscuit cupboard). I play with Jet, we run around together and wrestle.

I love hunting for lizards in the garden too. If Mum’s in the kitchen, I am too. I love my ear scratches of a night from Dad.”

Latte visiting our Ce

llar Door

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.

Jet and Latte at Grandma and Grandpa’s

Other info about Latte: Latte loves to play catch, chasies and hide and seek, but if you throw the ball you’ll have to get it.

She has a mind of her own and things are always on her terms.

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

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

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