"The Grind - Seasoned News from Pepper Tree"

ISSUE 11 - WINTER 2012

2012 Vintage Wrap Up

WINE SPECIALS |

New Releases 2012 Functions Calendar

Restaurant Feature | 1

Function Review

Welcome

As the fog sets in over the Hunter Valley, so do the cooler days of winter! The vines lay dormant and with the pruning season well under way, our Winery Team are busy placing the final touches on the last of our 2012 whites and and begin to prepare many of our 2011 Vintage reds. As we commence into the second half of the year we also have seen the release of some of our 2012 whites at our ever so popular Annual Harvest Luncheon! (see page 5 for the new releases).

Once again the team at Pepper Tree fronted up at Manly Beach Esplanade to battle the conditions that Manly Wine and Food Festival throw our way each year to serve the sea of food and wine enthusiasts. The winner of this year’s custom designed surfboard shaped by our friends at Pacific Dreams was Mitchell Petritsch. We are also excited to be visiting members at upcoming dinners such as Wollongong, Brisbane & Canberra (see page 8 for the functions calendar).

On the news front, Chief Winemaker Jim Chatto was announced the new Hunter Valley Chairman of Judges for the 2012 Hunter Valley Wine Show which is a massive honour and a testament to all his skills and hard work.

We have recently introduced a new tier of membership called ‘Q4’ Club – we are delighted to be able to welcome those who have recently joined this exclusive club and we hope you enjoy the many benefits this new tier has to offer! With a maximum capacity of 200 members, positions are still currently available, please contact the Wine Club for further information or click here.

Within this issue we are delighted to have available for members some exciting new releases, including some idyllic winter reds to enjoy with friends and family around the fireplace – see page opposite for some fireside specials available to members of the Wine Club.

If you are interested in attending any members’ events throughout the year, please let us know ASAP to avoid disappointment as they do sell out quickly!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Cheers, The Pepper Tree Team

Staff Profile; Elly Higgins Visitors to the Cellar Door would have been greeted by the happy smiling face of Elly! After working casually in the Cellar Door for approx. 2 years, Elly has just recently taken a position in our Wine Club as Wine Club Assistant. Elly is one of the friendly voices at the end of the phone assisting our valued Wine Club Members!

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

The opportunity to meet new and interesting people.

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

A great mixture of great people and great wines.

What is your favourite Pepper Tree wine currently available?

2010 Limited Release “Classics” Cabernet Merlot – it’s delicious, very easy drinking…. dangerously easy drinking!

What has been your favourite Members Event?

2012 Harvest Luncheon – a great day with delicious food and wine.

What is your wine of choice to drink on a special occasion (other than Pepper Tree of course)?

Bubbles bubbles and more bubbles!

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

Jamie Oliver - to whip up a storm, Hamish Blake - for laughs, Gerald Butler - for some eye candy.

What is your greatest weakness? Mangos!

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

Bistro Mollines – Garreth Robbs, working under the watchful eye of Robert Molines, is an amazing chef!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love spending time with my family - spoiling my nephews rotten! I enjoy dining out, socialising and shopping… I am definitely a shopaholic!

2

WINE SPECIALS

Winter Warmers

Fireside Dozen

Retail Price $300

Including 3 bottles of each of the below:

Wine Club Members Case Special $235

Limited Release 2010 Wrattonbully Merlot Limited Release 2010 'Classics' Wrattonbully Cabernet Merlot Limited Release 2009 Orange Cabernet Sauvignon Limited Release 2010 'The Pebbles' Wrattonbully Shiraz Viognier

Save $65 + freight free

Tasting notes and free freight included

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

Premium Fireside Wrattonbully 6 Pack - inclusive of Display Box Including 2 bottles of each of the below: Reserve 2010 '14 Shores' Wrattonbully Merlot Reserve 2008 'Elderslee Road' Wrattonbully Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2009 'The Gravels' Wrattonbully Shiraz Viognier Tasting notes and free freight included

Retail Price $252

Wine Club Members 6 pack Special $200 Save $47 + freight free

3

IN THE WINERY WITH JIM CHATTO

Vintage 2012 is a wrap! them early to retain freshness of the primary fruit characters. Other whites like the Chardonnay and Viognier will stay in oak until late spring/early summer, when the fruit and oak are well integrated, before blending and bottling.

With vintage 2012 finally in the bag it is time to reflect on the highs and lows of an exciting Harvest here at Pepper Tree. The big low for this year was the Hunter red’s, the ‘summer we didn’t have’ ended up being too much for our Hunter Shiraz. Cool conditions lead to later ripening, pushing us well into February. Unfortunately it started to rain and did not give up. We did however manage to pick our ‘Tallawanta’ Shiraz before the worst of the weather! This block normally makes our ‘Coquun’ Shiraz, but this year it falls just short of the mark. The good news is the fruit will go into our Limited Release Shiraz, so lookout for this wine in 2013!

We are also starting to blend up the 2011 Hunter Valley reds - these are looking very special with beautifully ripe fruit and tannins. We will be releasing 4 different Hunter Shiraz out of the 2011 Vintage.

From the medium bodied & aromatic ‘Tallavera’ to the brooding and concentrated ‘Tallawanta’, there is something for every occasion. I can’t wait to get these into the bottle!

On the bright side for the Hunter are the whites, which were picked before the rain! The 2012 “Alluvius” Semillon being the highlight -

Winter Gastronomy

a real Hunter classic; bursting with fresh citrus flavours and wonderful length.

Funny we seem to be having the summer we never had at the moment. Still there has been the odd cold night and I need little excuse for the comfort of a good a roast or stew. Winter is the perfect time to tuck into some richer, heartier reds whilst the kitchen pumps out the heady scent of a lamb roast or a Boeuf Bourguignon.

After a depressing start to the reds for 2012, both Wrattonbully and Coonawarra came up with the goods in a big way. 2012 will surely rival 2010 for the best vintage for us out of both these regions.

At this stage to quote my 2IC (Luke Watson) 2012 is really ‘an embarrassment of riches’ with extraordinary colour and flavour coupled with purity and intensity of fruit.

The recent Harvest Luncheon saw the release of the Reserve 2010 ‘Coquun’ Hunter Valley Shiraz & a pre-release of the Reserve 2010 ‘Calcare’ Cabernet Sauvignon and as is my travail, I have had to test them both with a couple of said dishes 

In the Winery

That said, whilst you are reading this, I will be on holiday with my girls in Darwin and Kakadu. I think I might be sneaking a few bottles of Semillon into the luggage for those ‘tropical’ winter days!

Right now the winery is busy blending and cold stabilising the 2012 unwooded whites like; Semillon,Verdelho, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris etc. As these wines spend no time in wood, we like to bottle

Jim Chatto

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

Jim Chatto, Chief Winemaker would like to invite you to our exclusive ‘Q4’ Club.

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

4

NEW RELEASES Reserve 2010 'Coquun' Hunter Valley Shiraz 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.

Winemakers 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. Winemaker Jim Chatto The Vineyard Our Coquun (Hunter River) Shiraz is produced from the famous ‘Tallawanta’ Vineyard planted in 1920. These 90 year old vines produce tiny quantities of intensely flavoured fruit. Tallawanta Vineyard, between Hunter Valley Gardens and Harrigan’s Irish Pub, in Broke Road, Pokolbin formerly owned by the Elliott family is now leased to Pepper Tree Wines from the now owners, the Roche family. Continuously creating outstanding fruit each year, the vines are dry land grown, thus ensuring low yields and high quality fruit. The vineyard soil is quite typical of the Hunter Valley with a mixture of sandy loam and red volcanic clay.

Reviews – Gary Walsh From the famous Tallawanta vineyard. Smooth, dark fruit, clove spice and Indian bazaar aromatics over latent earthiness. Medium to full in weight, cherries and mixed berries, smooth and silky with liberal creamy oak and fine chalk dust tannin underwriting the promise of the future. Touch of bitter chocolate sauce on the finish. Slinky and seductive as a young wine, turning to sophistication and complexity as it ages. Pretty impressive. 16 Jan 2012 95+ points

Cellar Door Bottle $55

Club Bottle $46.50

Click Here for Detailed Tasting Notes

Limited Release 2012 'Tallawanta' Hunter Valley Semillon The name ‘Tallawanta’ identifies the single vineyard in which the fruit has been sourced from. This heritage listed vineyard further highlights the great diversity of style and flavour in Hunter Valley Semillon.

Winemakers Tasting Notes Pure Semillon fruit 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. Enjoy now or confidently cellar for the next 5 - 10 years.

Winemaker Jim Chatto The Vineyard Our Limited Release Semillon comes from the famous “Tallawanta Vineyard" in the lower Hunter Valley. These old vines produce tiny quantities of intensely flavoured fruit. The red clay soils on the foothills of the Brokenback Range lead to a unique expression of what is considered to be Australia’s greatest white wine style.

Click Here for Detailed Tasting Notes

If you are not sure if you are a member or you would like to enquire about membership click here

Cellar Door Bottle $28

Club Bottle $23.50

5

P EP P ER T R EE P ET C O R N ER

Pooch Picnic

Pepper Tree Wines would like to invite you and the entire family to join us for our inaugural family picnic day in our luscious grounds for a dog friendly, fun filled afternoon.

Sunday 19th August From: 10.30am to 3.30pm Entry: Gold coin to be donated to Hunter Animal Rescue (HAR) Venue: Pepper Tree grounds (adjacent to Cellar Door) Parking: PTW grounds - Marshalls will direct on the day Call 02 4909 7100 or visit www.peppertreewines.com.au for detailed information

Pictured left to right - Ned, proud owner Bill Ballard and Gabby

PET OF THE MONTH We are delighted to introduce you to – Ned & Gabby!

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

Ned and Gabby are prize winning Australian Cattle Dogs that recently achieved two class wins, three ribbons and a trophy at the 2012 Sydney Royal Easter Show!

Please Note: No BYO alcohol Dogs must be on leash Social dogs only BYO rugs, chairs & dog tidy bags

Ned achieved a first in the Australian Bred male class and then awarded Reserve Challenge Dog! “Ned's show name is Aust CH Warrukadli Rebellion. He is a very solid "don't mess with me" male. He is three years of age and loves to chase a ball - particularly on the beach! Alas, a tennis ball is unlikely to survive any extended encounter due to his strong jaws. His pet peeve is visitors without an introduction!”

Featuring Wine & Food Purchase wine by the glass & relax in the grounds BBQ & treats to feast on

Gabby won the open female class, received a trophy for Best Female Australian Cattle Dog and was runner-up Best Australian Cattle Dog.

The Wonderdogs Training demonstrations & trick shows

“Gabby's show name is Aust CH Warrukadli Farr Rising. She a feminine female who is nearly two. She is a running dog and gaits along in a manner many an equestrian has admired.

You can see us circling around Centennial Park in Sydney as I attempt to keep my toes in sight. Gabby's pet peeve is any infringement on her personal space.”

Interesting Fact: "Warrukadli" the formal kennel name for Bill’s Australian Cattle Dogs as Warrukadli is the Kaurna Aboriginal peoples word for native dog. The territory of the Kaurna included the Coonawarra wine growing district!

Favourite Food: Chicken Obsession: Cows Favourite Toy: Plastic Kong

Dog Competitions Cutest pet, best trick, fancy dress and more Pet Pampering We will have a range of indulgences for your dog to enjoy on the day Special Offers Great wine and membership offers available on the day

www.peppertreewines.com.au 86 Halls Road POKOLBIN NSW 2320 Ph: 02 4909 7100 | Fa x: 02 4998 7746

Join the Club for $39.95, including:

• Pepper Tree Wines dog lead RRP $18.50 • Winemakers dog postcard - Kimba • 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 • Your canine family member will feature on our Pepper Tree Pet Club Members Board in the Cellar Door!

6

RESTAURANT FEATURE The Leveson The Leveson, a hidden North Melbourne gem, provides its customers with all the elements of a great modern Australian pub. From the courtyard to the function spaces all aspects of The Leveson have a homey, rustic feel to them. This is accompanied by the fireplaces, which create an inviting and lively atmosphere especially on those cold winter nights.

The menu is full of contemporary takes on Australian classics using only the freshest local and imported produce. From the parma to the share plates, the menu boasts a hearty, home-style feel to it with daily specials that are sure to impress!

The wine list is exciting and ever changing offering both traditional staples & fashionable current blends.

Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.

46 Leveson Street, North Melbourne VIC 3051 P: (03) 9328 1109 E: info@theleveson.com www.theleveson.com.au

Dukkah Crusted Lamb Rump

on a Mediterranean Crush with Asparagus Serves 4 Mediterranean Crush 3 – 4 large washed potatoes ¼ tsp turmeric 1 tbs of chopped coriander 2 tbs chopped kalamata olives 2 tbs of sliced spring onion 2 tbs of rough chopped capers zest of 1 lemon 4 large tomatoes salt & pepper Place potatoes in large saucepan whole.

Cover with cold water, add a pinch of salt to the pan and place on stove and bring to the boil - cook for approximately 30 minutes or until a knife pierces through the centre of the potatoes easily.

Take the tomatoes and cut into quarters, remove seeds and flesh from the centre until you are left with the outer flesh then dice into small squares.

Remove the skin from the potatoes while still hot and cut into cubes (approximately 2 centimetre), add remaining ingredients and gently crush together, season with salt and pepper to taste Dukkah 3 tbs hazelnuts 4 tbs pistachio nuts 10 tbs white sesame seeds 5 tbs ground coriander seeds 2½ tbs of ground cumin seeds 1 tsp sea salt flakes ½ tsp ground black pepper Pre heat oven to 180°C. Roast the hazelnuts and pistachio nuts for approximately 5 minutes in the oven then place into food processor until chopped well.

Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan until golden brown.

Roast the coriander and cumin seeds

for approximately 5 minutes in the oven (180°C) to release the flavour.

Combine all the remaining ingredients and blend together then store in an airtight container.

Asparagus Place in pot of boiling water for 3 – 4 minutes then drain Lamb Rump 4 lamb rumps – ask butcher for “cap off ” Coat rump in Dukkah prepared earlier Place in a hot pan or on a grill and seal each side for 1 minute.

Depending on oven, cooking time should be approx. 6 minutes for medium rare (recommended).

Turn oven off and open the door half way and allow the meat to rest for approximately 5 minutes. Resting meat is important so it relaxes after cooking to make the meat tenderer.

Slice into 3 and serve on top of Mediterranean Crush & Asparagus (sauce optional, suggested jus or minted butter).

Perfect with Varietal 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon 7

Photography by Madeleine Chiller

WHERE TO FIND OUR WINES QLD Rickys River Bar + Restaurant – Noosa Heads Salt Restaurant - Rosalie

NSW Shinju Northside – North Sydney Saffron East Mediterranean Cuisine – Manuka & Kingston

VIC The Leveson – North Melbourne Donovans – St Kilda

FUNCTIONS CALENDAR

FUNCTIONS REVIEW

JU LY Annual Brisbane Mid-Year Members’ Dinner Friday 6th July, 2012 Era Bistro, South Brisbane $115 per person

Brisbane April Members Dinner

A UGUST Annual Canberra Members’ Dinner Friday 10th August, 2012 Dieci e Mezzo, Canberra City $115.00 per person

Friday 27th April, 2012 – Moda Restaurant, Brisbane We were delighted to be able to provide our valued QLD members with an additional function this year and we were excited to hold this event at Moda restaurant!

Moda has long been considered one of Brisbane’s finest dining establishments, this strongly being demonstrated at the recent event. The outstanding food and wine experience provided by the experienced and passionate team was truly memorable! Chef de Cuisine, Javier Codina created an aspiring menu that perfectly complemented selected wines from our premium range. We look forward to welcoming guests back to Moda Restaurant next year.

Pepper Tree Pooch Picnic Sunday 19th August, 2012 10:30am – 3:30pm Gold coin donation to Hunter Animal Rescue S E P TEMBER Annual Central Coast Members’ Dinner Friday 7th September, 2012 Cowrie Restaurant, Terrigal $110 per person O CT OBER Annual Budburst Luncheon Saturday 13th October, 2012 The Chapel – Pepper Tree Complex $90 per person

Annual Harvest Luncheon Saturday 19th & Saturday 26th May, 2012 – Roberts Restaurant, Pokolbin

Melbourne Members’ Dinner Details to be released soon!

N O V EMBER Please note this year we are offering both: Sydney Harbour Sunset Cruise Friday 9th November, 2012 7pm – 10pm $100 per person (canapés and wine)

The increasingly popular Harvest Luncheons were once again an enjoyable event and is a delight to be able to provide to members and guests!

This year we were excited to introduce George Francisco - recently appointed Executive Chef of Roberts Restaurant. George created a superb menu that was expertly matched to our latest releases including the 2012 whites. The event also marked the release of the Reserve 2010 ‘Coquun’ Hunter Valley Shiraz along with the fifth series of the Harvest Luncheon collector plate.

Sydney Harbour Afternoon Cruise Saturday 10th November, 2012 2pm – 5pm $100 per person (canapés and wine) QLD Showcase Members’ Dinner Details to be released soon!

D E C EMBER Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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

C O N TA N G O

E S P R E S S O – RO A S T E R S OPENING JULY AT PEPPER TREE WINERY Enjoy a premier coffee experience, with one of our single origin coffees roasted in-house or indulge in an exquisite sweet treat.

10am - 4pm Daily 86 Halls Road, POKOLBIN 2320 P: 02 4909 7100 | F: 02 4998 7746 www.peppertreewines.com.au

8

VARIETAL

REGION

VINTAGE

RRP

WINTER SPECIALS

CLUB BTL

BTL QTY

CLUB CASE

Fireside Dozen

300.00

235.00

Premium Fireside Wrattonbully 6 Pack

252.00

200.00

GRAND RESERVE RANGE 'Strandlines' Cabernet Shiraz

2007

55.00

46.50

279.00 12 PACK

'Alluvius' Semillon

Hunter Valley

2012

35.00

29.50

354.00

'Venus Block' Chardonnay

Orange

2010

30.00

26.00

312.00

'14 Shores' Merlot

Coonawarra

2010

42.00

35.50

426.00

'The Gravels' Shiraz Viognier

Wrattonbully

2009

42.00

35.50

426.00

'Coquun' Shiraz

Hunter Valley

2010

55.00

46.50

558.00

'Elderslee Road' Cabernet Sauv

Wrattonbully

2008

42.00

35.50

426.00

'Calcare' Cabernet Sauvignon

Coonawarra

2009

42.00

35.50

426.00

SINGLE VINEYARD - LIMITED RELEASE 'Tallawanta' Semillon

12 PACK

Hunter Valley

2012

28.00

23.50

282.00

LIMITED RELEASE RANGE

12 PACK

Semillon

Hunter Valley

2011

22.00

19.00

228.00

Sauvignon Blanc

Orange

2011

22.00

19.00

228.00

Verdelho

Hunter Valley

2012

22.00

19.00

228.00

Pinot Gris

Wrattonbully

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

'The Pebbles' Shiraz Viognier

Wrattonbully

2010

25.00

21.00

252.00

Cabernet Sauvignon

Orange

2009

25.00

21.00

252.00

Shiraz

Hunter Valley

2009

35.00

29.50

354.00

Tannat

Wrattonbully

2009

25.00

21.00

252.00

Semillon Sauvignon Blanc

Varietal

2011

18.00

15.00

180.00

Verdelho

Varietal

2011

18.00

15.00

180.00

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

2010

18.00

15.00

180.00

Shiraz

Varietal

2010

18.00

15.00

180.00

DESSERT & FORTIFIED WINES

12 PACK

Vin De Vie

NV

35.00

30.00

Tipsy Muscat

NV

50.00

43.00

360.00 516.00 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:

Delivery Address: Suburb:

Work Ph: Home : E-mail: Mastercard

Visa

Amex

Diners Expiry Date:

D.O.B.

Delivery Instructions:

Card No.

TOTAL

6 PACK Wrattonbully

RESERVE RANGE

Payment Method:

CASE QTY

State:

P/Code:

Mobile:

FOR YOUR SECURITY DETAILS BELOW THIS POINT WILL BE DESTROYED ONCE THE ORDER IS PROCESSED.

CCV No.

Card Holder/s Name: Card Holder/s 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. LIQUOR ACT1982- IT IS AN OFFENCE TO SELL OR TO SUPPLY TO OBTAIN LIQUOR ON BEHALF OF A PERSON UNDER THE AGE OF 18 YEARS. ABN 67000 055 470