Just Crushed - Summer 2015 - Issue 1

News from Pepper Tree

Issue No.

1

Winery Update

Gwyn Olsen Head Winemaker

12 wines

to see you through the

Festive Season facebook/PepperTreeWines

twitter/PepperTreeWine

instagram/peppertreewines

Welcome It has been a busy and rewarding year for the Pepper Tree Team with a multitude of awards and accolades for our winemaking crew.

The 2015 Limestone Coast Wine Show saw Pepper Tree take out a massive 5 trophies – 7 gold and 3 silver medals.

With our 2013 Block 21A taking home ‘Best Cabernet Trophy’, ‘Best Single Vineyard Wine Trophy’, ‘Best Red Wine of Show Trophy’ and ‘Champion Wine of Show Trophy.’

Our 2014 Tempranillo also won the ‘International Judge Trophy.’ Congratulations to Vigneron John Davis, Head Winemaker Gwyneth Olsen and the winemaking team.

As the silly season nears, the Club girls and the Cellar Door staff are busily stocking shelves and preparing gift packs for those ‘hard to buy for’ people. We have even put together a must-have mixed dozen to see you through the festive season.

See page 7 for pack details.

Don’t forget to tag us or #PepperTreeWines when enjoying your next glass or bottle!

PepperTreeWines PepperTreeWine peppertreewines

Some of our favourite snaps featuring #PepperTreeWines!

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Just Crushed

Issue No. 1

Summer 2015

We look forward to the release of all our new 2014 Pinot Noir, 2015 Varietal Pinot Gris, 2015 Venus Block Chardonnay and 2015 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc wines. See page 5 for a review of these delicious wines, but don’t take our word for it, pop into the Cellar Door and try them for yourself! Please phone the Wine Club on 1800 655 965 to make a booking in the Members Tasting Lounge. Be sure to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

From all of the Pepper Tree Team, we wish our friends, family, loyal Members’ and of course our Pet Club pooches a safe and Merry Christmas!

We thank you for your valued support throughout 2015 and look forward to welcoming in 2016 together!

Cheers,

The Pepper Tree Team

News from the

Winemaker GW Y N OL SEN - 2015 Len Eva ns Schola r

It has been an extremely busy couple of months for the winery team who have been blending and putting the finishing touches on all of our 2014 South Australian red wines. These wines have been bottled over the past couple of weeks and we are pleased to say that they are looking great. The 2014 reds are showing great power of fruit, good structure and great length. I am particularly excited about the 2014 8R Merlot from Wrattonbully and the Calcare Cabernet from Coonawarra. We have now moved on to blending and preparing to bottle all of the 2015 Chardonnays which is exciting – both the Hunter Valley and Orange possess a great balance of fruit flavour, delicious texture and juicy acidity. The 2015 Venus Block is definitely one to watch!

As for me, well it has been a hectic start to a new role! For those who haven’t met me – Hi! My name is Gwyn and I am the recently appointed Head Winemaker of Pepper Tree Wines, overseeing all winemaking across the full portfolio. For the past three years I have been the Winemaker at Briar Ridge Vineyard and prior to that the Senior Winemaker for McWilliam’s Mount Pleasant.

I am extremely passionate about creating wines with a strong sense of place and identity and I look forward to working with fruit from our vineyards in the Hunter Valley, Orange, Wrattonbully and Coonawarra. Don’t worry, whilst there won’t be a great overall change in current wines and varieties, over the coming vintages keep an eye out for new wines in the portfolio (Single Vineyard Riesling from Orange or Sparkling Shiraz from Wrattonbully, anyone?) and small changes in a few of the wine styles.

I look forward to meeting you all over the course of our member events and if you are at the winery please do say hi to myself and my loyal winery hound Spencer.

Wishing you all a safe and happy festive season.

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

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

Limited spaces are available for this exclusive Club!

Cheers, Gwyneth Olsen

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 Head Winemaker Gwyneth Olsen.

• 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.

Just Crushed

Issue No. 1

Summer 2015

3

FUNCTION REVIEW Our Spring Food and Wine Celebration was a hit once again this year!

Blessed with bright blue skies, it was the perfect opportunity to kick back and relax on the Pepper Tree grounds (with a glass of wine in hand‌ of course).

whilst The Big Bang belted out the sweet tunes that had everyone (even some of the staff ) up and dancing by the end of the day!

Winemaker, Gwyn Olsen, conducted two masterclasses throughout the day which gave guests an exciting insight into the winemaking process.

We are looking forward to making next year’s event bigger and better, stay tuned for details of the event to unfold throughout the coming months.

Andrew Wright from The Cellar Restaurant cooked up a stellar menu of Moroccan Chicken and Pork Sliders,

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Summer 2015

2015 ‘Venus Block’ Orange Chardonnay Tasting Notes The 2015 vintage is an intense cool climate Chardonnay with flavours of stone fruits, fig and melon seductively integrated with barrel ferment complexity. A crisp and elegant style of Chardonnay, showing great purity of fruit.

Vintage Notes Our high altitude Orange vineyard experienced excellent ripening conditions and produced some of our best wines from the 2015 vintage. Rains in early February, which looked like threatening the vintage eventually gave way to solid ripening conditions in mid-February and March. Excellent parcels of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc have made wines of very high quality and our ‘Venus Block’ Chardonnay is no exception. Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Cabernet all ripened beautifully and produced wines of great flavour and balance.

The block was hand picked on flavour ripeness and then destemmed and pressed cold. The resulting juice was fermented in French oak puncheons of which around 30% were new, and approximately 20% wild ferments. The final wine was left to mature for 8 months before being blended and prepared for bottling.

Click here for Detailed Tasting Notes

Club Member Price $29.50 ‘Q4’ Member Price $28.00 RRP $35.00

2014 Limited Release Orange Pinot Noir Tasting Notes The 2014 Pinot Noir showcases exceptional fruit qualities and regional characteristics true to this style. The elegant cool climate Pinot Noir displays a nose of dark cherry and red fruits, balanced by a complex palate with subtle hints of raspberries, forest floor and delicate tannins lingering into the finish.

Vintage Notes The 2014 Orange growing season started well with adequate rain and mild weather up until Christmas. Some hot spells early in the New Year along with a few minor rain events kept vineyard staff busy. Veraison commenced in early February and preceded a long ripening period. Pinot Noir and Merlot were excellent.

Picked at flavour and tannin ripeness, the various parcels were then destemmed and fermented in small open fermenters.

The resulting wine was pressed off skins and put to large format French oak for maturation. Following 14 months in oak, the parcels were blended and the wine prepared for bottling.

Click here for Detailed Tasting Notes

Club Member Price $25.50 ‘Q4’ Member Price $24.00 RRP $30.00

Just Crushed

Issue No. 1

Summer 2015

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Staff

2016 EVENTS CALENDAR

Maddison Grey

March

Profile

Pepper Tree Wine Club How long have you been working at Pepper Tree Wines?

11 months What is your favourite Pepper Tree wine currently available?

The 2014 Tempranillo – it is a medium bodied yet deliciously fruity red, perfect for the whole year round!

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

Rebel Wilson, Mark Bouris and Ellen DeGeneres – the ultimate combination of smarts, brains and humour!

Sydney Members’ Dinner Date and venue TBC

April

Brisbane Members’ Dinner Friday 15th April, 2016 Moda Restaurant, Brisbane QLD

May

Harvest Luncheon Saturday 21st May & 28th May, 2016 Circa 1876, Pokolbin NSW

June

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

EXP – it is a fairly new restaurant to the Valley but a must-visit!

Their ‘passionfruit’ dessert is to die for.

Canberra Members’ Dinner Friday 17th June, 2016 The Boathouse by the Lake, Canberra ACT

What has been your favourite Pepper Tree event?

I have been lucky enough to work quite a few events at Pepper Tree this year although a stand-out would have to be the annual Harvest Luncheons! Autumn is such a beautiful time in the Hunter especially for a long lunch – the food and wines showcased were first class.

July

Brisbane Members’ Dinner Date and venue TBC

August

Q4 Winemakers Table Luncheon Saturday 6th August, 2016 Pepper Tree Wines, Pokolbin NSW Pooch Picnic Sunday 28th August, 2016 Pepper Tree Wines, Pokolbin NSW

September

Melbourne Members’ Dinner Date and venue TBC

October

LOCAL HUNTER VALLEY ROASTERS One of the Hunter’s top rated coffee destinations highlighting the synergies between coffee beans and wine grapes.

OPEN DAILY

9.30am to 3.30pm

Award winning coffee Featured Single Origin coffee available daily Coffee beans available for sale Light food options & sweet treats Selection of specialty teas Range of Contango merchandise facebook/ContangoEspressoRoasters twitter/@ContangoCafe Instagram/@Contango_Roasters

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Just Crushed

Issue No. 1

Summer 2015

Spring Food & Wine Celebration Saturday 15th October, 2016 Pepper Tree Wines, Pokolbin NSW

November

Sydney Harbour Evening Cruise Friday 11th November, 2016 Sydney Harbour Afternoon Cruise Saturday 12th November, 2016 ‘Q4’ Christmas Cruise Sunday 13th November, 2016 Sydney Harbour

To book A WINE CLUB EVENT

email ptwclub@peppertreewines.com.au or phone 1800 655 965.

Due to the extremely high and growing demand, some events may have set ticket limitations per membership. Event details subject to change.

Christmas Special

We know how busy the holiday season can be, so we are making Christmas easy with 12 wines to help see To place your order simply complete you through the the attached festive season!

Order Form or follow the links to our Online Shop

SAVE

$ 95.50

1

+ free freight

Wine Club Members Case Special (RRP $365 ) .50

$270.00

+ Free *Tasting Notes included

Freight

*Includes 1 of each bottle on the tree!

1 ‘Silenus’ Limited Release Orange Sparkling

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2

– a fun and delicious bubbly! The perfect date for any New Year’s Eve celebrations!

2 2015 Varietal Semillon Sauvignon Blanc

– lively palate, great for that seafood BBQ! 3 2014 Limited Release Hunter Valley Vermentino

– zesty and refreshing! Why not try it with seared scallops and a bacon and cauliflower crumble?!

4 2015 Limited Release Hunter Valley Verdelho

4

– a tropical delight. Kick back and relax with a glass or two while the sun goes down! Feeling adventurous?

Pair it with a spicy Asian dish.

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5 2015 ‘Venus Block’ Single Vineyard Orange

Chardonnay – enjoy with grilled chicken, beetroot and goats cheese salad.

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5

6 2015 Limited Release Orange Rosé

– rich Turkish delight! The perfect wine to kick off your pre-Christmas dinner.

7 2014 Limited Release Orange Pinot Noir

– a glass of Pinot and a side of roast duck! Heaven!

8 2014 Limited Release Wrattonbully Tempranillo

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– an entertainer’s delight! Try it with tapas or pizza for that lazy Sunday dinner.

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11

12

9 2013 ‘Classics’ Limited Release Wrattonbully

Cabernet Merlot – a crowd pleaser.

10 2013 Limited Release Hunter Valley Shiraz

– a gutsy Shiraz and juicy steak – the ultimate duo!

11 2012 ‘Elderslee Road’ Single Vineyard

Wrattonbully Cabernet Sauvignon – barbequed lamb and char grilled vegetables anyone?!

12 Vin de Vie – Christmas pudding in a glass.

Enjoy over ice-cream to keep the Christmas cheer alive long after December 25th.

Just Crushed

Issue No. 1

Summer 2015

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5

minutes with...

Bozo

ONLY

39.95

$

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

Bozo going for a ride

Age: 3 years old.

Breed: Labradoodle.

Favourite Food: Anything that falls from the kitchen bench at dinner time.

Favourite Toy: His stuffed blue elephant.

Pet Hate: Bath time and haircuts.

Bozo at the birthday party

A day in the life of Bozo: Always on perimeter control,

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.

welcoming any visitors to the house - with multiple naps in between.

Other info about Bozo: Bozo is like most kids, he cleans his room by putting his toys in their toy box, but you have to ask him to pick up each individual toy.

Bozo suited up!

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 cases 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.