Seasoned News From Pepper Tree - The Grind

ISSUE 5 • SUMMER 2010

RESTAURANT REVIEW Glass Dining & Lounge Bar

UPCOMING FUNCTIONS Gala Dinner “A Night at the Oscars” Sydney Members’ Dinner Annual Harvest Luncheon

WINE REVIEWS | Exclusive1 Offers | Christmas Specials

Welcome With the festive season upon us, Pepper Tree Wines is looking forward to celebrating the success of 2010. If you are not already a fan of Pepper Tree Wines on Facebook or Twitter, please feel free to join as we hope to keep you well informed of all the festive activities happening in the Hunter Valley.

We hope you will find the opportunity to enjoy some of your favourite Pepper Tree wines with friends and family over the festive season. Our Cellar Door will be operating as normal throughout the Christmas and New Year period (closed Christmas day), so if you need to replenish stocks or are close by please drop in and say hello to the team.

Pepper Tree’s success in 2010 included respected wine critic and vigneron, James Halliday again awarding Pepper Tree a 5 Star status in his 2011 Australian Wine companion. Pepper Tree and individual employees were also recognised by the industry and peers for their outstanding achievements.

On behalf of all the team at Pepper Tree we would like to thank all members and friends of Pepper Tree for all your support throughout 2010. We would like to wish you and your families all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!

Cheers, The Pepper Tree Team

The winemaking team are looking forward to spending some quality time with their families before Vintage starts in January. This Christmas will be extra special for our winemakers with the latest additions to the Chatto and Watson families.

P.S Checkout our great Christmas and New Year specials on page 5!

WIN HIGH TEA

AT SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE FOR YOU AND THREE FREINDS Simply purchase a 6 pack, or more, of the Pepper Tree 2008 ‘Venus Block’ Reserve Orange Chardonnay to go into the draw to WIN the ultimate Sydney experience!

6 PACK OFFER $144* Promo Code: “Venus 08”

95 Points James Halliday, Top Gold & Trophy; Riverina Wine Show and Gold; Orange Wine Show.

The ultimate Sydney experience includes you and three friends being treated to an afternoon of culinary delights and live opera set amongst the majesty of the world’s most recognised sails. You will be presented with an individual tasting plate, with a selection of mouth-watering savouries, follow by your own plate of pretty sweets and petit fours along with a choice of the world’s finest teas.

With one of the world’s most beautiful harbours as a backdrop, the afternoon reaches a crescendo with a private recital by an acclaimed Australian opera performer that is sure to give you goose bumps!

Terms & Conditions: Purchase a 6 pack or more of Pepper Tree’s 2008 Venus Block Reserve Orange Chardonnay over the Summer Season (23rd November 2010 - 20th February 2011) and go in the draw to WIN an exclusive High Tea Package for You and THREE FRIENDS at Sydney Opera House. Entries with cease close of business 20th February 2011, the prize will be drawn on 21st February 2011 at 4pm at Pepper Tree Wines. Winner will be notified by phone on 21st February, 2011 and results will be published on Pepper Tree’s website and within ‘The Grind – Seasoned News from Pepper Tree’ quarterly e-magazine on the 22nd February 2011. If winner cannot be contacted by phone within 3 months of the prize being drawn, an unclaimed prize draw will reoccur at the same time and venue on 23rd May 2011. It is the responsibility for the winner to organise their own means of transport to the venue.You must be 18 years or older to enter this promotion and all wine purchases must be consumed away from Pepper Tree Wines grounds.

Voucher issued will be valid for a maximum of 12 months. Lottery Permit Number: LTPS/10/11621.

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IN THE WINERY WITH JIM CHATTO

IN THE WINERY The temps are rising and it’s now time for the winery to start blending and bottling the 2010 Chardonnays. 2010 has produced some outstanding Chardonnay from both our Orange and Hunter Vineyards. Pristine fruit coupled with stylish oak, providing lovely wines of balance and purity. This year we have a special new player in the Pepper Tree Chardonnay family; we have made a tiny amount of Wrattonbully Chardonnay from the famous French ‘Bernard Clones’. The Bernard clones tend to give great complexity and perfume at much lower ripeness levels.

In other words, all the flavour without the Carbs! The 2010 Limited Release ‘Bernard Clones’ is a pretty sexy and textural wine – perfumed and spicy with a small lick of oak for complexity.

IN THE VINEYARD Things are really cranking in the vineyard, the Hunter Chardonnay is already through fruit set* and the reds are not far behind.

Plenty of rain has seen good growth throughout spring and there are now good levels of water in the soil profile. Timing wise we are looking to a normal (whatever that is) start to Harvest with the Hunter

whites being picked somewhere near Australia Day. Make sure you give thought to us in the winery whilst you celebrate our nation. All we need now is a dryish summer/ autumn and we are set for a great year…. touch wood!

SUMMER GASTRONOMY After what has been a really wet spring, the sunshine and long days are finally upon us.

Time again to dust off the patio furniture and start dining ‘al fresco’ with fresh seafood and of course Hunter Semillon – no better match for this winemaker! Right now I am enjoying youthful whites (2009/2010) and medium bodied reds - the 2009 Limited Release Tempranillo and Shiraz are perfect for warmer weather dining – especially from the BBQ! *Fruit set is the term we use to describe the stage of the growing season immediately following flowering, when the fertilised flowers of the grapevine begin to develop seeds and eventually the grapes, which encase and protect the seeds. This stage is very critical, as ultimately, it determines the potential crop.

– Jim Chatto

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WINE REVIEW 2010 Limited Release Orange Sauvignon Blanc TASTING NOTES: Displaying vibrant aromas of passionfruit and gooseberry with lifted citrus on the nose. A lively and expressive cool climate Sauvignon Blanc showing great varietal character combined with a wonderful balance, providing a crisp clean long finish.

SUGGESTED CELLARING: Best drinking fresh and young over Summer!

FOOD MATCH: Perfect accompaniment to a Summer BBQ filled with fresh Snapper, prawns, oysters, calamari and more...

Click Here for Detailed Tasting Notes

Click on wines to purchase

Cellar Door Bottle $22

Club Bottle $19.00

2007 Reserve ‘Elderslee Road’ Wrattonbully Cabernet Sauvignon TASTING NOTES: The Elderslee Road vineyard is home to our best Cabernet. Elderslee Road runs along one of the ancient dunes or shorelines that make up the Wrattonbully landscape. These ancient dunes harbour the famed red “Terra Rossa” topsoil over free draining Gambier Limestone, perfectly suited to growing great Cabernet.

Ripe Cabernet flavours of cassis and blackberry with chocolate and spicy oak lift. A marvellously rich palate packed with sweet ripe berry fruits balanced by French oak. Fine tannins provide great structure and depth to the long and generous palate AWARDS AND RATINGS: Bronze (Class 15a) - 2009 New Zealand International Wine Show Bronze (Class 231) - 2009 Rutherglen Wine Show Bronze (Class 4) - 2009 Royal Melbourne Wine Show Bronze - 2009, 2010 Riverina Wine Show Bronze - 2010 Cowra Wine Show 94 Points - James Halliday Wine Companion 2010 SUGGESTED CELLARING: Cellar to 2018 - 2020 Click Here for Detailed Tasting Notes Cellar Door Bottle $35

Club Bottle $29.50

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New Release Club Member Case Special $315.00

WINE REVIEW 2009 Reserve ‘Coquun’ Hunter Valley Shiraz TASTING NOTES: 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.

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.

AWARDS AND RATINGS: Gold (Class 8) - 2010 Clear Image Hunter Valley Wine Show 96 Points - James Halliday Australian Top 100 SUGGESTED CELLARING: Cellar to 2020 Click Here for Detailed Tasting Notes

Cellar Door Bottle $45

Club Bottle $38.50

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

Wine Club Christmas Specials Free bottle of 2010 Botrytis Semillon with any Christmas Case Special!

Mixed Christmas Dozen 2010 Limited Release Hunter Valley Semillon x 2 2010 Limited Release Orange Sauvignon Blanc x 2 2008 Reserve ‘Venus Block’ Orange Chardonnay x 2 2008 Limited Release Wrattonbully Merlot x 2 2009 Limited Release Hunter Valley Shiraz x 2 2007 Reserve ‘Elderslee Road’ Wrattonbully Cabernet Sauvingon x 2

Mixed White Christmas Dozen 2010 Limited Release Hunter Valley Semillon x 3 2010 Limited Release Wrattonbully Pinot Gris x 3 2010 Limited Release Orange Sauvignon Blanc x 3 2008 Reserve ‘Venus Block’ Orange Chardonnay x 3

MIXED SPECIAL

$240.00 $103 SAVING Retail Price $ 343

WHITE SPECIAL

$220.00 $93 SAVING Retail Price $ 313

Mixed Red Christmas Dozen 2008 Limited Release Wrattonbully Merlot x 3 2009 Limited Release Hunter Valley Shiraz x 3 2008 Reserve ‘The Gravels' Wrattonbully Shiraz Viognier x 3 2007 Reserve ‘Elderslee Road’ Wrattonbully Cabernet Sauvingon x 3 To place your order, simply complete the attached order form, or click here to email through your order to the Pepper Tree Wine Club.

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RED SPECIAL

$270.00 $115 SAVING Retail Price $ 385

STAFF PROFILE; Kate Dixon Hughes

WINE WRITER REVIEWS JAMES HALLIDAY’S TOP 100 FOR 2010 James Halliday has just released the top 100 wines for 2010 and Pepper Tree Wines was excited to receive recognition in a number of categories!

Whites Under $20.00

Reds Over $20 -The Most Unlucky Misses

Pepper Tree Hunter Valley Marlborough 2010 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc

Pepper Tree 2008 Reserve “The Gravels” Wrattonbully Shiraz Viognier 96 Points

95 Points

Kate is the Wine Club Co-ordinator and joined the Pepper Tree Team early 2009. Kate’s role includes planning fun and exciting events for our Members and overseeing the Wine Club and its operation.

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

The great wine and people to work with, I love coming to a relaxing and picturesque setting every day to work!

What do you believe Pepper Tree’s greatest strength is?

The consistent quality of the wine and the enthusiastic staff!

What is the strangest comment that someone has said to you?

“I can really taste the pepper in the wine!”

What is your favourite Pepper Tree Wine currently available?

2008 Reserve 14 Shores Wrattonbully Merlot.

What’s your funniest or strangest moment that you have experience while working at Pepper Tree?

I was the last one to leave work for the day and I came across a turtle that had somehow found its way in??? Although I grew up on a farm, I don’t really like turtles!

What has been our most enjoyable members function and which one are you looking forward to in 2011?

I really enjoyed my first Sydney Harbour cruise in 2009 and I am really looking forward to the Gala dinner in 2011!

What is your greatest achievement?

Finally going on my overseas trip to USA and Canada to holiday and see my family after planning it for approx. 10 years!

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

George Clooney, Johnny Depp – needs no explanation and Patrick Swayze – I was a huge Patrick fan and love the movie Dirty Dancing!

“The best of two worlds? If you can’t beat them, join them.

Well, yes. The super-fragrant bouquet is all Marlborough, with passionfruit and kiwifruit to the fore, then Semillon swings into action on the intense and long palate, ending up with a wine you wish to drink, not sip. Punches way above its price weight.”

Retail Price $18.00

Club Member Price $15.00 Whites Over $20 -The Most Unlucky Misses

Retail Price $35.00

Club Member Price $29.50

Pepper Tree 2008 Reserve “Calcare” Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon (Click to receive notification once released)

96 Points Retail Price $35.00

Club Member Price $29.50

Pepper Tree 2009 Reserve “Coquun” Hunter Valley Shiraz 96 Points Retail Price $45.00

Club Member Price $38.50

Nick Stock, author of The Good

Pepper Tree 2010 Reserve “Alluvius” Hunter Valley Semillon 96 Points

Wine Guide has just launched the 2011 edition and has singled out 4 winemakers from the Hunter Valley including Pepper Tree’s very own Jim Chatto as a

Retail Price $32.00

“winemaker to watch”.

Club Member Price $27.50

Wine Show Awards Gold Medal Winning Wines for 2010

2009 Reserve ‘Alluvius’ Hunter Valley Semillon Top Gold, Class 47 - Maquarie Group Sydney Royal Wine Show

2006 Reserve ‘Elderslee Road’ Wrattonbully Cabernet Sauvignon Gold, Class 37 – Royal Melbourne Wine Show

2010 Reserve ‘ Alluvius’ Hunter Valley Semillon Gold, Class 40 – Cowra Wine Show

2008 Reserve ‘Calcare’ Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvingnon Top Gold, Class 34 - Maquarie Group Sydney Royal Wine Show Gold, Class 34 – Riverina Wine Show

2009 Reserve ‘Venus Block’ Orange Chardonnay Gold – NSW Wine Awards 2007 Reserve ‘Coquun’ Hunter Valley Shiraz Gold, Class 13 - Hunter Valley Wine Show 2009 Reserve ‘Coquun’ Hunter Valley Shiraz Top Gold, Class 8 - Hunter Valley Wine Show 2008 Reserve ‘The Gravels’ Wrattonbully Shiraz Viognier Gold, Class 34 - Royal QLD Wine Show Gold, Class 33a – Riverina Wine Show Gold, Class 2030 - National Cool Climate Wine Show Bathurst Gold, Class 13 - Limestone Coast Wine Show

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2009 Limited Release Hunter Valley Semillon Trophy & Top Gold, Class 27 – Hunter Valley Wine Show 2010 Limited Release Hunter Valley Semillon Gold, Class 104 - Rutherglen Wine Show 2009 Limited Release Hunter Valley Chardonnay Gold, Class 28 – Hunter Valley Wine Show 2008 Limited Release Orange Cabernet Sauvignon Gold, Class 10 – Orange Wine Show

RESTARANT REVIEW Glass Dining and Lounge Located in the award winning Marina Mirage complex, Glass Dining and Lounge bar overlooks the spectacular views of the Gold Coast Broadwater. This restaurant captures elegant dining encased in cutting edge design providing a relaxed ambience to compliment the luxury Gold Coast lifestyle.

Owners Patrick Gennari and Shannan Harmelin have partnered to create and carefully perfect a sleek and sophisticated elegance the Gold Coast has been waiting for. Operating for nearly 12 months, Glass plays host to a team of staff with exceptional service standards and highly experienced chefs producing a menu using only the best quality produce, meats and fresh local seafood.

Glass allows relaxation for a long and lazy lunch whether out on the terrace lounge with a favourite cocktail, in the dining room with a mouth watering meal or by the fire place in the cooler temps of winter.

Watch the sunset from the terrace and sink into the mood for the ultimate chic night out or enjoy a candle lit dinner surrounded by ambient music for the ultimate dining experience!

Glass Dining & Lounge Bar Marina Mirage 74 Sea World Drive, Main Beach QLD 4217 Ph: (07) 5527 1009 E: bookings@glassrestaurant.com.au www.glassrestaurant.com.au

Pork belly with chilli tomato jam & prune chutney cigars

WHERE TO FIND OUR WINES

by Glass Dining and Lounge QLD Ingredients: 1 x free range pork belly 2kg duck fat Rind of 2 oranges 3 x star anise 6 x witlof (reserve leaves) 1 x spanish onion 80g walnuts Pomegranate glace 24 x pitted prunes 4 x feuille de bric 5 spice Chilli Tomato Jam 500g tomatoes, skin on 200g brown sugar 1 spanish onion 1/2 tbs garlic 1 bay leaf 80ml chard vinegar 2 long red chilli diced Method: Cover pork belly with duck fat, add star anise and orange rind. Cook in low oven

160 Ëš for 2 hours until the meat is tender.

Remove fat, place pork in a tray with another on top acting as a press. Allow to cool overnight.

Cut into strips 8cm x 4cm.

Berfore serving, pan sear skin side gently until it crackles. Reheat 180Ëš for 5 mins.

The Coro Hotel, Milton, Brisbane Victory Hotel, Brisbane

NSW Rockpool, The Rocks, Sydney The Point Restaurant, Port Stephens

Chilli Tomato Jam Sautee onion and chilli, add sugar, garlic, vinegar, bayleaf and rough chopped tomatoes. Let stew until compote consistency. Season to taste.

Prune Chutney Cigars Cut each feuille de bric in half, place 3 prunes with a pinch of 5 spice on each.

Roll like a cigar, cook and crisp in oven.

Witlof Salad Mix witlof, spanish onions and walnuts with a white balsamic dressing

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VIC Pause Bar, Balaclava The Tea Garden, Oakleigh

FUNCTIONS CALENDAR FEBRUARY 2011 Gala Dinner “A Night at the Oscars” Friday 18th February 2010 Gold Room, L’Aqua, Darling Harbour $145 per person

FUNCTION REVIEWS Budburst Luncheon

Saturday 2nd October, The Chapel, Pepper Tree Complex Members and their guests once again enjoyed a unique experience dining in the Chapel on the Pepper Tree Complex. A casual gourmet lunch was prepared by the famous Roberts Restaurant. This small personal function allows guests to sit back, relax and enjoy fine wine, exceptional food and great company in the beautiful surrounds of Pepper Tree!

MARCH Sydney Members’ Dinner Friday 11th March 2010 Wolfies Grill, The Rocks, Sydney $100 per person

MAY Harvest Luncheon Saturday 21st May (taking wait list) Saturday 28th May (tickets still available) Roberts Restaurant, Pokolbin NSW $135.00 per person

UPCOMING FUNCTIONS

Sunset Harbour Cruises

Friday 12th November & Saturday 13th November, Sydney Harbour Pepper Tree once again delivered two fun filled nights of cruising around the beautiful Sydney Harbour! Members' and their guests enjoyed sampling latest release and award winning wines while on board the Commissioner II. Guest also received the second edition to the Sunset Cruise collector glass as a thank you from the Pepper Tree team!

JULY Brisbane Members’ Dinner

AUGUST Canberra Members’ Dinner

SEPTEMBER Central Coast Member’s Dinner Budburst Luncheon

QLD 2010 Showcase Members’ Dinner

NOVEMBER

Friday 19th November, Glass Dining & Lounge Bar

Sydney Harbour Cruises QLD Members’ Dinner

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

Pepper Tree ventured to the sunny Gold Coast for the first time to wine & dine our QLD Members. The ultra chic and modern Glass Restaurant provided exceptional food that had been expertly matched to our award winning wines for 2010.

To book or enquire about any of the above events please CLICK HERE to e-mail or FREECALL 1800 655 965

P E P P E R T R E E WINES GALA DINNER “ A N I G H T AT THE OSCARS” Friday 18th February 2011 L’Aqua, Gold Room, Roof Top, Cockle Bay Wharf, Sydney The Pepper Tree Team have in stall another exciting Gala Dinner for 2011! Dress to impress at “A Night at the Oscars”! You and your guests will be dazzled with fine wine and fine food along with great entertainment to dance the night away.

Tickets $145.00 per person To book phone 1800 655 965 or email ptwclub@peppertreewines.com.au

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TO ORDER : phone 1800 655965 or print page, complete & fax to 1800 247 746 or click here to download interactive order form

VARIETAL

REGION

VINTAGE

RRP

CLUB BTL

BTL QTY

CLUB CASE

CASE QTY

TOTAL

12 PACK

CHRISTMAS SPECIALS Mixed Christmas Dozen

-

-

343.00

-

-

240.00

Mixed White Christmas Dozen

-

-

313.00

-

-

220.00

Mixed Red Christmas Dozen

-

-

385.00

-

-

270.00 6 PACK

GRAND RESERVE RANGE “Strandlines” Cabernet Shiraz

Wrattonbully

2006

65.00

55.00

330.00

Cabernet Sauvignon SPECIAL

Wrattonbully

2004

55.00

46.50

247.50

Hunter Valley

2010

32.00

27.50

330.00

Orange

2008

30.00

26.00

288.00

Wrattonbully

2008

35.00

29.50

354.00

12 PACK

RESERVE RANGE “Alluvius” Semillon “Venus Block” Chardonnay HIGH TEA PROMOTION “14 Shores” Merlot “The Gravels” Shiraz Viognier

Wrattonbully

2008

35.00

29.50

354.00

"Coquun" Shiraz

Hunter Valley

2009

45.00

38.50

462.00

“Elderslee Road” Cabernet Sauvignon SPECIAL

Wrattonbully

2007

35.00

29.50

315.00

“Calcare” Cabernet Sauvignon

Coonawarra

2007

35.00

29.50

354.00 12 PACK

LIMITED RELEASE RANGE Silenus Sparkling Semillon Sauvignon Blanc

Orange

2005

32.00

28.00

336.00

Hunter Valley

2010

22.00

19.00

228.00

Orange

2010

22.00

19.00

228.00

Verdelho

Hunter Valley

2010

22.00

19.00

228.00

Pinot Gris

Wrattonbully

2010

22.00

19.00

228.00

Viognier

Wrattonbully

2010

22.00

19.00

228.00

Tempranillo

Wrattonbully

2009

25.00

21.00

252.00

Merlot

Wrattonbully

2008

25.00

21.00

252.00

Classics

Wrattonbully

2008

25.00

21.00

252.00

Shiraz

Hunter Valley

2009

35.00

29.50

354.00

Semillon Sauvignon Blanc

Varietal

2010

18.00

15.00

180.00

Verdelho

Varietal

2010

18.00

15.00

180.00

12 PACK

VARIETAL RANGE

Pinot Gris

Varietal

2010

18.00

15.00

180.00

Unwooded Chardonnay

Varietal

2009

18.00

15.00

180.00

Chardonnay

Varietal

2009

18.00

15.00

180.00

Merlot

Varietal

2009

18.00

15.00

180.00

Cabernet Sauvignon

Varietal

2009

18.00

15.00

180.00

Shiraz

Varietal

2009

18.00

15.00

180.00 12 PACK

DESSERT & FORTIFIED WINES Botrytis Semillon

Hunter Valley

2010

25.00

21.00

252.00 FREIGHT $10 PER CASE TOTAL $

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