"The Grind" Seasoned News from Pepper Tree

ISSUE 13 SUMMER 2012

In the Winery with

Jim Chatto

Christmas Specials

2013 Events Calendar

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‘Contango’ Coffee House |

WINE 1REVIEW

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Function Review

Welcome

With the festive season upon us, many of us look forward to winding down after a busy year and celebrating the festive season in style. The Cellar Door team are gearing up for a busy holiday season ahead!

The winery has continued to maintain its “Red 5 Star” status in the 2013 James Halliday Australian Wine Companion while achieving numerous wine accolades and reviews throughout 2012. We have seen the release of some outstanding wines that have set a high benchmark for future vintages and among our industry peers! The high standards of our winemaking team continue to deliver and we look forward to what the New Year will bring.

Pepper Tree has seen some exciting changes take place throughout 2012! This year marks the opening of our new Coffee House - ‘Contango’! Embracing the ‘handcraft’ philosophy, our aim is to roast single origin coffee beans from around the world and showcase the many similarities that coffee beans and wine grapes have to share through every cup of coffee we make onsite.

To unify the new addition to the winery we have also taken the opportunity to give the buildings a lick of paint and this has given the property a new fresh face ready for summer!

2012 also saw the introduction of our exclusive ‘Q4’ Club providing members with many additional benefits and privileges.

This year ‘Q4’ Members were offered the opportunity to attend the extremely popular Winemakers Table Luncheon held in the winery with winemaker Jim Chatto. We are delighted to be able to offer this exclusive membership and look forward to the club’s progression.

If you are planning a visit to the Hunter Valley over the festive season, be sure to let us know when you plan to visit as bookings are essential for the Members Tasting Lounge, here you and your guests can sit back relax and enjoy sampling our latest releases along with a cheese plate. Our Cellar Door is open 7 days per week over the festive season – except Christmas Day. From all of the team at Pepper Tree we would like to thank you for your support throughout the year and would like to wish you and your families:

Merry Christmas and a Safe and Happy New Year!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Cheers, The Pepper Tree Team

Staff Profile; Michelle Preece Michelle first started with Pepper Tree Wines in August 2007 and was with the company until April 2009. We were delighted to welcome Michelle back to Pepper Tree in September 2010 where she took on a Marketing Assistant and general all-rounder role!

What is your wine of choice to drink on a special occasion (other than Pepper Tree of course)? A good Riesling is hard to resist anytime.

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

It sounds like a cliché but definitely the people. Every day there is laughter. It really is a happy work environment at Pepper Tree.

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

The team at PTW – everyone is versatile so that they can jump in and help wherever it is needed (except Michael as he can only do one thing at a time).

If you could have dinner with 3 people of your choice who would it be? Heston Blumenthal for his creative concoctions he comes up with to cook, George Clooney & Meg Ryan.

What is your favourite Pepper Tree wine currently available?

It would have to be the 2012 ‘Alluvius’ Hunter Valley Semillon. As well as being a sucker for Semillon, it is great wine for those hot summer afternoons!

What has been the funniest or most memorable moment that you have experienced while working at PTW? I probably can’t put in the print the full story but it would have to do with a couple of staff drinks after an event and a restroom I should have not been in – embarrassing but funny now.

What is your greatest weakness? I can’t say no!

What has been the strangest comment/question someone has said? How do you get the oranges into the wine? Referring to our ‘Venus Block’ Chardonnay from Orange, or how does the pepper get into the wine?

What is your favourite restaurant to visit in the Hunter Valley? Shakey Tables – the chef is also an artist, I love how the food is presented as well as being tasty too!

What has been your favourite Member Event? This would be a toss-up between our annual Harvest Luncheon or the Sydney Harbour Cruises. Both are very different events but everyone has a great time together.

What do you like to do in your spare time? This year I have started going to the gym and must admit it has become a bit of an obsession at present. We will see how long it lasts (plus I get to still have those Redrock Chips every now and again).

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CHRISTMAS SPECIALS Wine Club Members Case Special $215

Tasting notes and free freight included

+ freight free RRP $282, saving $67

Summer Mixed Dozen 3 x Limited Release 2012 Hunter Valley Semillon 3 x Limited Release 2012 Hunter Valley Verdelho 3 x Limited Release 2010 'Classics' Wrattonbully Cabernet Merlot 3 x Limited Release 2010 Wrattonbully Merlot

Wine Club Members Case Special $200 + freight free RRP $264, saving $64

Summer White Selection 3 x Limited Release 2012 Hunter Valley Semillon 3 x Limited Release 2012 Hunter Valley Verdelho 2 x Limited Release 2012 Orange Sauvignon Blanc 2 x Limited Release 2012 Wrattonbully Pinot Gris 2 x Limited Release 2012 Hunter Valley Chardonnay

2011 Cabernet Merlot – Not your usual suspect!

2011 Wrattonbully Cabernet Merlot made by Chief Winemaker Jim Chatto from fruit sourced off our award winning vineyards.

‘This wine is from a de-classified 2011 Vintage using fruit grown from the Wrattonbully region in South Australia. An elegant, light bodied and fruit prominent style, this wine is perfect chilled for the typical hot Australian summer or for the creative type, a good base for Sangria’!

1 case $120 or 2 cases $200 + freight free

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

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IN THE WINERY WITH JIM CHATTO

IN THE WINERY

Sauvignon in the ‘The Age & Sydney Morning Herald Good Wine Guide 2013’.

The temps are rising and it’s now time for the winery to start blending and bottling the 2012 Reserve ‘Venus Block’ Orange Chardonnay. 2012 has produced some outstanding Chardonnay from our Orange Vineyard showing pristine fruit coupled with stylish oak, providing a lovely wine of balance and purity. The lead up to Xmas sees us busy topping all the 2012 reds in barrel and bedding them down before the fast approaching harvest!

• Taking back to back ‘Best Single Vineyard Wine’ at the Limestone Coast Wine Show with the 2009 Reserve ‘Calcare’ Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon.

IN THE VINEYARD

BLING BLING We have had an awesome last 3 months for wine show awards with: 2 Trophies, 8 Gold Medals and 22 Silver Medals!!

The highlights being: • The award for ‘Best NSW Chardonnay’ with our 2011 Reserve ‘Venus Block’ Orange Chardonnay at the NSW Wine Awards.

• Winning ‘Cabernet of the Year’ for the 2010 Reserve ‘Calcare’ Coonawarra Cabernet

The vineyards are looking (dare I say it….) sensational this year. Great balance and even growth with low to moderate cropping levels. The Hunter got away to an early start, but some cooler spring weather has brought it back to normal. Dry conditions has seen us irrigating all of the blocks to ensure the vines do not stress and there is ample canopy to ripen the fruit and prevent *sunburn. *Sunburn – yes just like us, grapes are prone to sunburn. This is usually not an issue, but occasionally, with hot dry years you end up with less leaves (for shading the fruit) coupled with hot sunny days, which can lead to a degree of sunburn and in extreme instances death of the berry!

Jim Chatto

M OV E M B E R The month of November saw the Pepper Tree guys gather together, casting their stylish good looks aside in aid of ‘Movember’ to assist in creating awareness and raise money for Men’s Health.

For some our Mo’s provided a giggle or two but as you can see from the above image these boys meant business!

The Pepper Tree Ticklers raised a massive $1,190 for ‘Movember’ and on behalf of all the team members we would like to send out a big thank you to all our ‘Mo’ Supporters.

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 Vineyards 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 2011 Reserve ‘Venus Block’ Orange Chardonnay The ‘Venus Block’ derives its name from the first name of the woman who ran a grazing property on the land for many years. Situated at our high altitude vineyard in Orange, the 'Venus Block' is 800m above sea level, ensuring a long cool ripening season, perfectly suited to Chardonnay.

The 2011 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.

Awards and Ratings

TROPHY & GOLD – NSW Top 40 – Citibank NSW Wine Awards 2012 GOLD (Class 4) – Orange Wine Show 2012

Click on wines to purchase

94 Points – James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2013, comments by Ben Edwards "A ripe and attractive blend of nectarine, grapefruit and spice are evident on the bouquet; the palate is fleshy and soft, with a fine backbone of acidity providing line and length; builds seamlessly in flavour across the palate. Drink by 2018.”

Click Here for Detailed Tasting Notes

Cellar Door Bottle $35

Club Bottle $29.50

2009 Reserve ‘Calcare’ Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon The ‘Calcare’ Cabernet Sauvignon is selected from the best rows of our small vineyard from the world famous Coonawarra region. The renowned quality of Coonawarra is a result of its thin rocky soils and underlying soft crumbly limestone (Calcare) which naturally produces balanced vine canopies and small crops of intensely flavoured fruit.

This vintage is a fine example of the Coonawarra style displaying ripe cassis fruits with lifted spice and florals. A fine structured Cabernet that will gain further complexity with cellaring.

Awards and Ratings TROPHY & GOLD – Best Individual Vineyard Wine (Class 20) Limestone Coast Wine Show   2012

96 Points – James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2012 “Strong purple-red, it has abundant cassis and blackcurrant fruit, a touch of Coonawarra earth that will grow with time and fine oak. Drink to 2024."

Click Here for Detailed Tasting Notes Cellar Door Bottle $42

Club Bottle $35.50

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Our resident winery dog Dexter and our Pet Club Ambassador Stella would like to wish all the Pepper Tree Pet Club Members a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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

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 treats upon their visit to the winery

Click to Join Pepper Tree Pet Club or Phone 1800 655 965

• Your canine family member will feature on our Pepper Tree Pet Club Members Board in the Cellar Door!

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

Millie is a spoiled family member who's job in life is to keep fit with her owner and give lots of love to her friends and family. She does however like to think she is a tough working dog and has recently given a group of farmers a great laugh when she gave the eye to, barked and nipped at the ankles of a concrete sheep outside a stock feed store!

Breed: Border Collie Favourite Toys: Tennis balls, footballs, frisbees and loud squeaking toys!

Pet Hate: Thunder, cats, kookaburras and the lawn mower. She believes these things should be chased after and barked at whenever possible…

Favourite Food: A fresh bone to chew on – after it has been buried in the garden and eaten once the flavours have developed…

Although Millie is underage and not supposed to drink, she enjoys white wines and on a few occasions has been caught wine tasting from unattended glasses of Sauvignon Blanc…

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Christmas Ham Recipe by Valued Wine Club Member – Kathy Pejakovic 1 x Free Range Ham (boneless or boned) Glaze: 100ml Pepper Tree ‘Tipsy’ Liqueur Muscat (most essential ingredient) 60ml Queen 100% Pure Canadian Maple Syrup 60ml Dijon Mustard Extra Virgin Olive Oil Recipe based on a small boneless ham – for a large boned ham, double the Glaze ingredients.

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.

Score the top of the ham with a sharp knife (as illustrated) into a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze absorb and flavour the ham.

Mix the glaze ingredients together - the consistency should be a little runny and not too thick. Taste if required, should be slightly sharp (not too sweet) to taste.

Brush the underside of the ham and place into lightly oiled baking tray.

Brush lots of glaze over the top of the ham, cover with aluminium foil and pop into the oven.

Bake the ham (depending on the size) for around an hour at low heat (really it should only need to be warmed through and allow enough time for the glaze to absorb.

I usually add a little more glaze to the veggies that I throw in with the ham to add extra flavour, but will add the final glaze just before I turn the heat up to slightly brown the ham.

Brush a little more glaze just before serving.

“The aroma is magic and this recipe works best with the Pepper Tree ‘Tipsy’ Liqueur Muscat! I quite often bake a small ham throughout the year, and leave the big boned ham for Christmas to make it extra special. Last year my oven died the day before Christmas and so the ham was baked in my Weber BBQ outside. And so my neighbours shared in the amazing aroma as it baked outside!!”

Enjoy the Christmas Ham with the family along with our Limited Release 2011 Hunter Valley Shiraz

C O N TA N GO – ES PR ES S O – ROASTERS With the beautiful smell of buttered toast circulating throughout the Pepper Tree complex, Contango is proud to announce the release of its first roast. Embracing the ‘handcraft’ philosophy of the winery Tim, Mark and Tristan work together to achieve a desired style which showcases the Contango difference. Reaching an executive decision our first roast of Single Origin beans goes to grind perfectly suited to all brewing methods.

The Single Origin bean of choice is the Ethiopian Limu, a region renowned for its flavour profile of sweet, spicy and wine like characteristic yet maintaining a balanced palate. This origin is considered one of the premium gourmet coffees worldwide and from all reports we have effectively delivered on this roast.

We encourage all members to come and try our coffee from Contango next time you visit the winery and you’ll receive a members’ bonus with each purchase made. Offer Valid until February 2013.

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WHERE TO FIND OUR WINES QLD Gerties Bar & Lounge, New Farm Vine21, Townsville

NSW Rocksalt, Newcastle

VIC Customs House Restaurant & Wine Bar, Geelong Rockpool Bar & Grill, Melbourne

FUNCTIONS CALENDAR

FUNCTIONS REVIEW

January Happy New Year!

Annual Budburst Luncheon

F ebruary Annual Gala Dinner Theme - ‘1920’s – 1930’s Friday 15th February, 2013 Queen Victoria Building , Sydney $145.00 per person Canapés and 3 course meal, with matched Pepper Tree Wines

The exclusive Budburst Luncheon was once again held on a perfect spring day. Members’ and guests enjoyed sipping on Sparkling ‘Silenus’ on the luscious green lawns of the Chapel, while being served freshly shucked oysters and other delectable canapés. A perfect long lunch in celebration of the season of Budburst, was prepared by Executive Chef of Roberts Restaurant George Francisco and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Saturday 13th October 2012, The Chapel – Pepper Tree Complex

M arch Annual Sydney Members’ Dinner Details to be confirmed…

A pril Brisbane April Members Dinner Friday 26th April, 2013 Moda Restaurant, Brisbane $120.00 per person M ay Annual Harvest Luncheon Saturday 11th & Saturday 18th May 2013 Roberts Restaurant, Pepper Tree Wines Complex, Pokolbin $145.00 per person June Wollongong Members’ Dinner Friday 14th June, 2013 Caveau Restaurant, Wollongong $120 per person

Sydney Harbour Sunset and Afternoon Cruise

July Annual Brisbane Mid-Year Members’ Dinner Friday 5th July, 2013 Era Bistro, South Brisbane $115.00 per person

Friday 9th & Saturday 10th November 2012 Once again Members’ and guests enjoyed two fabulous cruises setting sail around the beautiful Sydney Harbour. This year marked the first of our Saturday afternoon cruises - providing guests with a spectacular day-time view of the Harbour! As this was thoroughly enjoyed by those who attended, we are delighted to offer the afternoon cruise again in 2013 along with the along with the popular Friday Sunset Cruise.

If you are interested in attending any of the above functions we recommend booking ASAP as they do sell out fast!

On conclusion of the three hour journey of sampling latest release wines and enjoying delicious canapés, members and guests were provided with the 2012 series of the Pepper Tree Wines ‘Sydney Harbour Cruise Collector Glass’ as a thank you from us.

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

ANNUAL GALA DINNER Theme: 1920’s – 1930’s Friday 15th February, 2013 Queen Victoria Building, Sydney $145.00 per person Canapés and 3 courses with Pepper Tree Wines to match The Pepper Tree Team are delighted to welcome Members’ and guests to an evening in the 1920’s -1930’s!

Step back in time to the “roaring 20’s” and enjoy an entertaining night perfectly matched with a memorable food and wine experience!

To book call the Wine Club on 1800 655 965 or email ptwclub@peppertreewines.com.au

Annual QLD Showcase Members’ Dinner Friday 16th November 2012, The Little Truffle Restaurant, Mermaid Beach The final members’ event for 2012 was held at the sunny Gold Coast and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The Little Truffle Restaurant provided members’ and guests with an amazing food and wine matching experience showcasing our highly awarded wines of 2012. The evening was a perfect end to our 2012 Member Events.

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Q4 Club Prices will be adjusted accordingly VARIETAL

REGION

VINTAGE

RRP

CLUB BTL

BTL QTY

CLUB CASE

CASE QTY

TOTAL

SUMMER SPECIALS Summer Mixed Dozen

282.00

215.00

Summer White Selection

264.00

200.00

PTW Cabernet Merlot - 1 case

Wrattonbully

2011

120.00

PTW Cabernet Merlot - 2 cases

Wrattonbully

2011

200.00

Wrattonbully

2009

55.00

46.50

Hunter Valley

2012

35.00

29.50

354.00

Orange

2011

35.00

29.50

354.00

Wrattonbully

2010

42.00

35.50

426.00

GRAND RESERVE RANGE 'Strandlines' Cabernet Shiraz

6 PACK 279.00

RESERVE RANGE

12 PACK

'Alluvius' Semillon 'Venus Block' Chardonnay '14 Shores' Merlot '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

2009

42.00

35.50

426.00

SINGLE VINEYARD - LIMITED RELEASE

12 PACK

'Tallawanta' Semillon

Hunter Valley

2012

28.00

23.50

'Tallavera' Shiraz

Hunter Valley

2011

48.00

38.00

282.00 456.00

LIMITED RELEASE RANGE 'Silenus Sparkling Semillon Sauvignon Blanc Verdelho

12 PACK Orange

2009

32.00

28.00

336.00

Hunter Valley

2012

22.00

19.00

228.00

Orange

2012

22.00

19.00

228.00

Hunter Valley

2012

22.00

19.00

228.00

Pinot Gris

Wrattonbully

2012

22.00

19.00

228.00

Chardonnay

Hunter Valley

2012

22.00

19.00

228.00

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

Shiraz

Hunter Valley

2011

35.00

29.50

354.00

Tannat

Wrattonbully

2009

25.00

21.00

252.00

Semillon Sauvignon Blanc

Varietal

2012

18.00

15.00

180.00

Verdelho

Varietal

2012

18.00

15.00

180.00

Cabernet Sauvignon

VARIETAL RANGE

12 PACK

Pinot Gris

Varietal

2011

18.00

15.00

180.00

Unwooded Chardonnay

Varietal

2011

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 Merlot Franc

Varietal

2009

22.00

18.50

222.00

Cabernet Sauvignon

Varietal

2011

18.00

15.00

180.00

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 $

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