"The Grind - Seasoned News from Pepper Tree"

ISSUE 14 - AUTUMN 2013

In the Winery with Jim Chatto

2013 Functions Calendar

– 2013 Vintage News

Wine Specials

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WINE REVIEWS 1

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Restaurant Review

Welcome

With the year well under way the winery team are in the thick of 2013 Vintage. Azure, Johnno and Scott have been getting their hands dirty which made for a great photo opportunity, hence the front cover image! The Pepper Tree team are all very excited to see the outcomes of what is looking to be a great year with all the fruit from NSW vineyards in and fermenting away and South Australian fruit scheduled to arrive in the next few days. Vintage this year started early January which was a surprise coming back to work from the Christmas and New Year break. The Vintage crew this year is made up of Jim, Leon and Azure (from USA) doing her second vintage with Pepper Tree. We also welcome Scott and Johnno into the Pepper Tree family as well as initiating Mike from Cellar Door to his first Vintage in the winery! See page 4 for Jim’s update on the 2013 Vintage.

Our Wine Club event calendar commenced in February with the Annual Members' Gala Dinner. We stepped back into the era of the "Roaring Twenties" this year which made a fabulous backdrop for an evening of fine food and wine held in The Tea Room at the Queen Victoria Building. See page 7 for photos from the event.

We have a great deal of Wine Club events on offer for 2013 throughout NSW, ACT, VIC & QLD. See page 7 for a calendar of events and keep an eye out on the website for updated details. Due to high demand our Wine Club events do sell out fast, if you are interested in attending any events throughout the year please let us know so that we can secure seats for you.

‘Q4’ Club Members will again be offered some unique experiences with the Winemaker and the winemaking team throughout the year at the Winemakers Table Luncheon. Due to demand, this event may be run over two weekends throughout August and September. This exclusive membership has a capacity of 200 members, with a number of spots still available; please don’t hesitate to contact us for further information (see page 4 for details).

We hope to see you throughout 2013 along with your family and friends at Pepper Tree in the Cellar Door. Upon your visit check out the new coffee house ‘Contango’ where you can relax and enjoy a great cup of coffee from our freshly roasted beans after your tasting. Check out below for information on our recent roasts!

We hope the Easter bunny spoils you all, we look forward to seeing you soon!

Cheers, The Pepper Tree Team

Contango - Espresso - Roasters

Feature Roast III BEAN CLASSIC Sharing the passion for grape growing and coffee roasting, we have adopted the same approach to our house blend as we would with blending wine. The III Bean Classic combines carefully selected bean from some of the finest coffee growing regions in the world such as Ethiopia, Guatemala and Brazil.

By combining the three coffee beans together we are utilising the unique characteristics and achieve a style which is greater than the sum of their individual parts.

Contango freshly roasted coffee beans are available to purchase: 250g Retail $12.50

250g Special $10.50

Freight $6.00 (not applicable when purchased in conjunction with wine)

Staff Profile; Adrienne Lind Cellar Door Supervisor How long have you been working at Pepper Tree Wines for?

I’ve been at Pepper Tree since May 2012 but I’ve worked for the family organisation for nearly 5 years now.

What do you like most about working at Pepper Tree Wines?

I love arriving at work every morning and admiring the beautiful property and gardens – obviously the wines are great as well which makes selling them easy.

What do you believe to be Pepper Tree’s greatest strength?

It would have to be the great mix of people that work here. We have a really strong team that are fun to work with.

What is your favourite Pepper Tree wine currently available?

That would have to be the 2012 Reserve ‘Alluvius’ Semillon, closely followed by the 2012 Limited Release Hunter Valley Chardonnay.

What has been the strangest comment/question someone has said? Where are you from New Zealand? You only have to talk to me for a minute and you would know I was definitely English What is the most memorable wine you have had?

Recently I enjoyed a bottle of 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon from Lakes Folly – it was so good.

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

In no particular order it would have to be; Jamie Oliver, Ewan McGregor & Ed Shearan.

Jamie for his love and passion for all things food, Ewan for his gorgeous Scottish accent and Ed Shearan to play us some great music (there seems to be a British theme here!!!)

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

At the moment it would be Boccados in Newcastle (Spanish Tapas) - technically it’s the Hunter Valley, but closer to home it would be Mojo’s in Lovedale.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love cooking and baking cakes which my partner also loves  I also enjoy going to the beach and swimming.

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AUTUMN WINE SPECIALS Tasting notes and free freight included

Autumn Mixed Selection 3 bottles x Varietal 2011 Chardonnay 3 bottles x Limited Release 2012 Wrattonbully Pinot Gris

Wine Club Members Case Special $200 + freight free

2 bottles x Limited Release 2010 Wrattonbully Merlot 2 bottles x Limited Release 2010 ‘Classics’ Wrattonbully Cabernet Merlot

RRP $270, saving $70

2 bottles x Limited Release 2010 Orange Cabernet Sauvignon

Regional Icon Selection 6 pack

Wine Club Members Case Special $190 + freight free

The below selection showcases a signature wine from each region that our grapes are sourced, each wine capturing the specific regional iconic characteristics known to that vineyard.

RRP $251, saving $61

Inclusive of 1 bottle of each of the below: Hunter Region 1 x Reserve 2012 ‘Alluvius’ Semillon 1 x Reserve 2010 ‘Coquun’ Shiraz Orange 1 x Reserve 2011 ‘Venus Block' Chardonnay Wrattonbully 1 x Reserve 2010 ‘14 Shores’ Merlot 1 x Reserve 2009 ‘Elderslee’ Cabernet Sauvignon Coonawarra 1 x Reserve 2010 ‘Calcare’ Cabernet Sauvignon

To place your order, simply complete the attached order form, or follow the links to the ONLINE SHOP

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Azure, Johnno and Scott getting their hands dirty during Vintage

IN THE WINERY WITH JIM CHATTO 2013 VINTAGE NEWS

away in barrels. Sauvignon Blanc was next in and is looking the goods; packed full of tropical ‘punchy’ aromas. Currently we are picking the Merlot and Shiraz, with Cabernet still a few weeks away.

Hunter After a long holiday spent in the (not so) cool climates of Tasmania, Scotty sent a dispatch demanding my return to the Hunter saying: ‘the grapes are coming with or without you, so hurry up!’

Wrattonbully & Coonawarra Chardonnay and Pinot Gris are all in the winery and looking very good as they complete fermentation. Last week Scott and I spent a couple of days at our Limestone Coast vineyards; tasting fruit and planning the oncoming harvest. On the back of a wonderful 2012; the 2013 Harvest is set to be fantastic in both Wrattonbully and Coonawarra. Flavours are great, tannins are ripe and colour is plentiful! In fact Scott could not believe the consistency of quality across both sites… (Fingers crossed)

Harvest started 2 weeks early this year with our first Hunter Valley grapes being picked on January 14! The pace was verging on frantic across the Hunter with reds hot on the heels of the whites. Highlights so far are the pristine ‘Alluvius’ Semillon and the fantastically coloured ‘Tallawanta’ Shiraz.

The crew had barely any chance to come up for air when Orange started crying for attention.

2013 Annual Harvest Luncheon This is the perfect way to celebrate the end of Vintage – the Harvest Luncheon is on again on May over two consecutive Saturdays 11th & 18th May. As always, this is such a great day and fun opportunity to taste the new vintage wines before they go on sale. This year we will be showcasing the 2013 Reserve ‘Alluvius’ Semillon and the 2011 Reserve ‘Coquun’ Shiraz among many other newbies.

Orange A warm dry season in Orange has lead to early picking of low to moderate crops. First off was the ‘Venus Block’ Chardonnay, which came in with awesome flavour and is looking gorgeous, fermenting

Jim Chatto

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

This exclusive membership is available to 200 members only. These members will receive first priority access to all Reserve and Single Vineyard wines upon release, along with additional discounts and extensive privileges. With an increased commitment of receiving 2 cases of wine per quarter, members are offered flexibility with their choice of wine received 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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WINE REVIEW 2012 ‘Sticky Pig’ Wrattonbully Pinot Gris Sticky Pig is a dessert wine style made from Pinot Gris grapes grown on our Wrattonbully vineyard.

This unique wine has intense sweetness and longevity. Pears and peaches fill the nose, rich nectar surrounds the palate while maintaining a delicate and seductive finish.

Why the name 'Sticky Pig'?

Often the names of different wine varieties get abbreviated in the working winery so the winemakers can easily keep track where the wine is being held. For example Pinot Gris is otherwise known as ‘PIG’ or Chardonnay as 'CHARD'. In 2011 Jim wanted to create a dessert style of wine based off a famous style commonly made in Alsace called ‘Vendange Tardives’ meaning 'late harvest' in French.

The main grape variety used to produce this style is Pinot Gris hence how the Sticky Pig came into the Pepper Tree ranks. Sticky referring to sweet and Pig referring to the winemakers abbreviated term for Pinot Gris.

Click Here for Detailed Tasting Notes

Click on wines to purchase

Cellar Door Bottle $25

Club Bottle $21

2011 Single Vineyard - Limited Release ‘Tallavera’ Hunter Valley Shiraz Our Single Vineyard ‘Tallavera’ Shiraz comes from its namesake vineyard in the Mount View area of the lower Hunter Valley.

This wine displays a complex mix of spice, earth and ripe mulberry fruit integrated well with savoury oak.

The palate is medium bodied and fruit driven displaying sweet berry fruit balanced by fine tannins providing great texture and a classically elegant finish.

Awards

GOLD – Macquarie Group Sydney Royal Wine Show 2013 BRONZE – Royal Adelaide Wine Show 2012 BRONZE – Royal Melbourne Wine Show 2012 BRONZE – NSW Wine Awards 2012 Click Here for Detailed Tasting Notes

Cellar Door Bottle $45

Club Bottle $38

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RESTAURANT FEATURE BLACK by ezard Level G, Harbourside, The Star 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont NSW Phone: 02 9657 9109 blackbyezard@echoent.com.au www.blackbyezard.com.au Lunch Fri, 12pm - 3pm Dinner Tue - Sun, 5:30pm - 11pm

The Contemporary Australian Grill Chef Teage Ezard (pictured above), who is renowned for his bold and boundarybreaking fare at Melbourne’s ezard (Two Hats) and Gingerboy, has replaced his trademark Asian cuisine, with classical inspired food styles influenced by great American grills and contemporary Europe.

BLACK by ezard features signature seafood dishes and grass, grain, wet and dry aged beef specifically sourced for the wood fired grills, broilers and sous vide cooking. The seasonal menu changes weekly and includes ‘fun combinations’ to suit all tastes.

Awards for BLACK by ezard 1 Hat (2013): The Sydney Morning Herald Good Food Guide Three Glasses (2012): Gourmet Traveller Wine

BLACK bar situated within the restaurant is the ideal location to meet for drinks, with an international cellar boasting roughly 770 labels and the best representation of American wine.

List of the Year Awards Best of Award of Excellence (2012): Wine Spectator Restaurant Wine List Awards James Audas (Sommelier): Winner, Electrolux

James Audas, Sommelier at BLACK by ezard states “The Pepper Tree 2012 Reserve “Alluvius” Hunter Valley Semillon is a popular match with the Mulloway (pictured below) main course at Black by ezard.

The subtle flavours of parsley, capers, dill and fennel as well as the fresh mulloway fish are a great match with young Semillon. The wine’s strong backbone and acidity cut through any richness and work in harmony with the herbaceous and citrus characteristics of the dish.

Young Waiter of the Year Hot Talent winner & Highly Commended (Best Cocktail Bar category) - Michael Chiem: TimeOut Bar Awards National Finalist (Top 10) - Michael Chiem: World Class Australia bartender competition

WHERE TO FIND OUR WINES QLD Capri Café & Bar, Fortitude Valley Oskars On Burleigh, Burleigh Heads

NSW BLACK by ezard, Pyrmont Latitude 30, Coffs Harbour Ellacure Restaurant, Bruce ACT

VIC Becco, Melbourne Europa, Ballarat

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FUNCTIONS CALENDAR A pril Brisbane April Members' Dinner Friday 26th April Moda Restaurant, Brisbane $120 per person May Annual Harvest Luncheon Saturday 11th May – limited seats Saturday 18th May – limited seats Roberts Restaurant, Pepper Tree Wines Complex, Pokolbin $145 per person June Wollongong Members' Dinner Friday 14th June Caveau Restaurant, Wollongong $120 per person

FUNCTIONS REVIEW 2013 Annual Gala Dinner Friday 15th February, 2013 The Tea Room, Queen Victoria Building, Sydney Members & guests enjoyed an elegant evening at the Tea Room celebrating the ‘Roaring Twenties’!

Fabulous costumes, smooth tunes from ‘The Big Bang’ and glistening candelabras filled the room captivating Members & guests while they enjoyed fine food and Pepper Tree Wine to match!

This event marked the opening Wine Club event for the year and we would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who attended.

July Annual Brisbane Mid-Year Dinner Friday 5th July Era Bistro, South Brisbane $115 per person A ugust Canberra Members' Dinner Friday 9th August Venue TBC Q4 Winemakers Table Luncheon Saturday 31st August Pepper Tree Winery S eptember Central Coast Members' Dinner Friday 6th September Cowrie Restaurant, Terrigal $115 per person O ctober Budburst Members Luncheon Saturday 12th October The Chapel, Pepper Tree Complex $90 per person Melbourne Members' Dinner Friday 18th October, 2013 Venue TBC N ovember Sydney Harbour Evening Cruise Friday 8th November 7pm – 10pm $100 per person Sydney Harbour Afternoon Cruise Saturday 9th November 2pm – 5pm $100 per person Qld Showcase Members Dinner Friday 15th November Brisbane, Venue TBC If you are interested in attending any of the above functions we recommend booking ASAP as they do sell out fast!

To book or enquire please CLICK HERE to e-mail or FREECALL 1800 655 965

APRIL BRISBANE MEMBERS’ DINNER Friday 26th April, 2013 Moda Restaurant, 12 Edward St, Brisbane QLD Join the Pepper Tree team for an evening at the award winning ‘Moda Restaurant’ lead by front of house host, François Le Savéant and the acclaimed Barcelona born Chef, Javier Codina. Javier has developed an innovative menu that will accompany and showcase a selection of premium Pepper Tree wines. Indulge in the contemporary, cosmopolitan cuisine inspired by a blend of French, Catalan and Italian influences using the freshest seasonal produce available for a truly remarkable evening of fine food and wine. $120 per person To book call the Wine Club on 1800 655 965 or email ptwclub@peppertreewines.com.au

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PET OF THE MONTH We are delighted to introduce – Gracie!

BREED: Golden Retriever FAVOURITE FOOD: Lemon Tart PET HATE: Getting up in the morning!

A bit about Gracie from her owner Jared: “Gracie is 7 years old on 1st August this year. She loves to travel especially air travel and stays with me in corporate hotels i.e. the Hilton. She is a full Rabbittohs member and has full Medibank gold paw health insurance.

She had eight puppies back in 2007 all born in my bed whilst I was at work! I came home to 8 puppies all lined up (without any mess at all) like a pack of sausages snuggled up all in a row underneath my pillow.”

Gracie (left) with her new friend

A very special story: "After moving from where we were living after the puppies had all gone and time had past and unfortunately dear old Milo (pictured bottom right) died in late 2010, I was saying to a friend I needed a sign from Milo just to ensure that he was ok wherever he was - anything like a book falling, flicker of a light switch, given our strong bond. The day after I said that Gracie and I went down to a local park in Melbourne, that we had never gone to before and we knew absolutely no one in Melbourne! Numerous dogs and owners were there however Gracie started licking one of them more than usual which attracted my attention. It was another Golden Retriever! I started talking to the owner who had acquired him from his elderly father in-law who had subsequently died.

We exchanged numbers and one week later he researched the history of his now acquired dog. The family had acquired him from a guy who lived in Sydney in Surry Hills who had 2 dogs called Milo and Gracie!

Milo Left Gracie Right

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

Needless to say, Gracie found her son that day. My sign from Milo!

My best friend. "

Join the Club for $39.95, including: • Pepper Tree Wines dog lead RRP $18.50 • 1 bottle of wine RRP $18.00 • Treat for your furry friend in your Wine Club committed cases • Membership Certificate • Plus complimentary bowl of water and Click to Join treats upon their visit to the winery Pepper Tree Pet • Your canine family member will feature Club or Phone 1800 655 965 on our Pepper Tree Pet Club Members Board in the Cellar Door!

Hunter Valley Helicopters are delighted to offer Wine Club Members 10% discount on a scenic flight or lunch tour in the Hunter Valley.

To enquire or book please call 0488 711 778 or email info@huntervalleyhelicopters.com.au www.huntervalleyhelicopters.com.au

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Q4 Club Prices will be adjusted accordingly VARIETAL

REGION

VINTAGE

RRP

CLUB BTL

BTL QTY

CLUB CASE

CASE QTY

TOTAL

AUTUMN SPECIALS Autumn Mixed Dozen Selection

270.00

200.00

Regional Icon Selection 6 pack

251.00

190.00

GRAND RESERVE RANGE 'Strandlines' Cabernet Shiraz

6 PACK Wrattonbully

2009

55.00

46.50

279.00

RESERVE RANGE

12 PACK

'Alluvius' Semillon 'Venus Block' Chardonnay

Hunter Valley

2012

35.00

29.50

354.00

Orange

2011

35.00

29.50

354.00

'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

2010

55.00

46.50

558.00

'Elderslee Road' Cabernet Sauv

Wrattonbully

2009

42.00

35.50

426.00

'Calcare' Cabernet Sauvignon

Coonawarra

2010

42.00

35.50

426.00

SINGLE VINEYARD - LIMITED RELEASE

12 PACK

'Tallawanta' Semillon

Hunter Valley

2012

28.00

23.50

282.00

'Tallavera' Shiraz

Hunter Valley

2011

48.00

38.00

456.00

Hunter Valley

2012

22.00

19.00

228.00

Orange

2012

22.00

19.00

228.00

Wrattonbully

2012

22.00

19.00

228.00

LIMITED RELEASE RANGE Semillon Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Gris

12 PACK

Merlot

Wrattonbully

2010

25.00

21.00

252.00

'Classics' Cabernet Merlot

Wrattonbully

2010

25.00

21.00

252.00

Orange

2010

25.00

21.00

252.00

Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz

Hunter Valley

2011

35.00

29.50

354.00

Tannat

Wrattonbully

2009

25.00

21.00

252.00

VARIETAL RANGE

12 PACK

Semillon Sauvignon Blanc

Varietal

2012

18.00

15.00

180.00

Pinot Gris

Varietal

2012

18.00

15.00

180.00

Chardonnay

Varietal

2011

18.00

15.00

180.00

Merlot

Varietal

2010

18.00

15.00

180.00

Cabernet Sauvignon

Varietal

2011

18.00

15.00

180.00

PTW Cleanskin Cabernet Merlot

Wrattonbully

2011

120.00

PTW Cleanskin Cabernet Merlot 2 dozen +

Wrattonbully

2011

100.00

DESSERT & FORTIFIED 'Sticky Pig' Pinot Gris

12 PACK Wrattonbully

Vin de Vie

2012

25.00

21.00

NV

35.00

30.00

252.00 360.00 FREIGHT $12 PER CASE

TO ORDER: phone 1800 655 965 or print page, complete & fax to 1800 247 746 or e-mail to ptwclub@peppertreewines.com.au Full Name:

TOTAL $

Membership No:

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