1

ISSUE 19 WINTER 2014

2O14 Annual

Harvest Luncheon

Roberts Restaurant Circa 1876

Pepper Tree Spring Food & Wine Celebration

WINTER FIRESIDE SPECIALS

Wine ReviewsMember Events

WELCOMEWith the cooler days of winter upon us here in the Hunter, the winery team are busy turning a great Harvest into some fabulous wine for us to soon enjoy!

Our Annual Harvest Luncheon provided us with a sneak peek of the 2014 Vintage as this event marked the released of our 2014 'Alluvius' Hunter Valley Semillon. Winemaker, Scott Comyns has stated that this is one of the best vintages we have seen for sometime, especially here in the Hunter. Take a look on page 4 for Scott’s update!

Prior to hosting our Annual Harvest Luncheons and our recent Canberra Members' Dinner, the team have been busy travelling from Sydney to Brisbane wining and dining our Wine Club members and guests. Take a look on page 7 for our function reviews. With many more events on the horizon for the second half of the year, we look forward to visiting those in Melbourne and going back to Brisbane and Sydney again! Please contact us to register your interest in attending any of our events as they do sell out fast.

We've also had the pleasure of hosting some unique experiences for our ‘Q4’ Members such as the ‘Q4’ Benchmark Tasting event. Chairman, John Davis and Chief Winemaker, Scott Comyns, benchmarked premium Pepper Tree Wines alongside some of the world’s best wine producers including those from the Northern Rhone Valley. Final preparations are in place for the very popular ‘Q4’ Winemakers Table Luncheon in August to provide our members with another memorable event. If you are interested in an information package about our ‘Q4’ Club please contact the Wine Club.

We hope to see you and your friends over the cooler months of winter in our Cellar Door to sample some of our latest releases alongside the warmth of the fire. Please contact the Wine Club to make a booking in the Members Tasting Lounge to enjoy sampling wines alongside a palate cleansing cheese plate.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Cheers The Pepper Tree Team

2

Pepper Tree Social CornerKeep up to date with what has been happening at Pepper Tree through the eyes of social media!

S TA F F P RO F I L E ;

Jonathan Behrendt aka “Jonno”Winery Cellar Hand

How long have you been working at Pepper Tree Wines for? I have been working at Pepper Tree for about 18 months now.

What do you like most about working at Pepper Tree Wines? The people I work with and all the different types of wine we make.

What is your favourite Pepper Tree wine currently available? The Pebbles Shiraz Viognier because of its aromatic spice and florals, it has a nice structure and fine acidity.

What has been the funniest or most memorable moment that you have experienced while working at PTW? Pouring buckets of water on the Cellar Door staff who have helped out over Vintage like Mikey and Stuart.

What wine do you think our members should keep an eye out for from the latest Harvest? Definitely the 2014 Reserve 'Alluvius' Semillon and 2014 'Tallawanta' Semillon!

What are the pro’s and con’s about working with Winemaker Scott? All the tips in how to style your hair! All in all he goes for the Sydney Swans so he can’t be too bad of a guy right…?

What is the most memorable wine you have had? 2008 Claymore Dark Side of the Moon Shiraz. I’m a sucker for Shiraz from South Australia!

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

What do you do in your spare time? I spend every minute at the beach with the dog Bently and play AFL for Wyong Lakes AFL Club.

Sydney Cellar Door in Hyde Park

Enjoy a coffee at 'Contango'

Winery crew taking a break during the 2014 Harvest

Wine Club Members' Dinner, Sydney

Manly Food & Wine Festival

Ready to welcome guests to the Annual Harvest LuncheonHunter Valley Semillon, Vintage 2014

3

Wine Club Members Case Special $299

RRP $402, saving $103 + freight free

Wine Club Members Case Special $299

RRP $402, saving $103 + freight free

Tasting notes and free freight included

Tasting notes and free freight included

Winter Fireside Red DozenInclusive of 3 bottles of each of the below:

2012 Limited Release ‘The Pebbles’ Wrattonbully Shiraz Viognier

2012 Limited Release ‘Classics’ Wrattonbully Cabernet Merlot

2010 Reserve '14 Shores’ Wrattonbully Merlot

2010 Reserve ‘Elderslee Road’ Wrattonbully Cabernet Sauvignon

Winter Fireside Mixed DozenInclusive of 3 bottles of each of the below:

2013 Limited Release Wrattonbully Viognier

2013 Reserve ‘Venus Block’ Orange Chardonnay

2012 Limited Release Hunter Valley Shiraz

2010 Reserve ‘Elderslee Road’ Wrattonbully Cabernet Sauvignon

Winter Fireside Specials

Each Winter Mixed Dozen

special will include a complimentary Pepper Tree beanie or scarf to keep you warm over the

cooler months! (Until stocks last)

To place your order,

simply complete the attached order form, or follow the links to

the ONLINE SHOP

4

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

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 Chief Winemaker Scott Comyns

• 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...

‘Q4’ Members will be offered an invitation to exclusive events taking place in 2014 including:Saturday 2nd August – ‘Q4’ Winemakers Table Luncheon (1st sitting)Saturday 9th August – ‘Q4’ Winemakers Table Luncheon (2nd sitting)Sunday 7th December – ‘Q4’ Afternoon Christmas Cruise

Limited spots available to these exclusive events - book now

For an information package and membership form, please call the Pepper Tree Wine Club on 1800 655 965 or email katedh@peppertreewines.com.au

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

News from the Winemaker

Scott Comyns

It has been quite possibly the longest vintage in Australia due to such an early start for Harvest in the Hunter and a late start in SA with Coonawarra. With it all over now, I can safely say it was a very successful five months!

It was yet another good year down south. Both our vineyards in Wrattonbully and Coonawarra had poor fruit set after flowering at the end of last year. This meant that our yield was low, but quality was high! All varieties are looking great, in particular Shiraz, which looks rich and powerful with an underlying elegance to it. I’m looking forward to seeing how this develops in oak.

Some of our 2014 whites have been put into bottle already, including the 2014 Reserve ‘Alluvius’ Hunter Valley Semillon recently released at the Annual Harvest Luncheon.

Due to a fantastic ripening period for Semillon in the Hunter, this has allowed the wine to display its full potential. Classic lemon lime acidity with graceful intensity is displayed. Certainly one of our best Semillons produced to date and one to keep a look out for.We are now concentrating on pulling out and blending our 2013 Hunter reds, which are soon going to be bottled. An exciting time in the winery, as we get to see all our hard work from the previous vintage all pay off as we pick and choose our barrel blending options. As soon as a barrel is emptied, it will again be filled, this time with 2014 reds which are patiently waiting in tank.

Through these cold winter months, it is important to keep the crew warm and there is no better way than keeping busy. As well as last year’s reds that need to be prepared, Pepper Tree will also be releasing our first barrel fermented Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blend. A classic Bordeaux style of white wine, the components of this wine will have seen about 6 months in large format oak, just to add another complex feature to this style.

In the Winery

5

Our 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.

This wine displays a bright

purple and crimson

colour, reflective of a

great vintage and its

cellaring potential. The

bouquet boasts young

earthy robust Cabernet

characteristics with

hints of spice and mint.

The palate is dominate

with ripe mulberries and

raspberries mixed with

blackberries and hints of

cassis, coffee bean and

spicy oak. These sweet

berry fruits are well

balanced by the French

oak influences. The

soft supple and fleshy

tannins provide structure

and length to this full

bodied wine.

With potential to age for

10 years or more, enjoy

alongside a variety of

cheeses, rich game or

red meat dishes.

Click here for detailed tasting notes

We are delighted to announce the

release of the 2014 Vintage of signature

Semillon the ‘Alluvius’. This iconic

Hunter style Semillon comes from

the Braemore Vineyard on Hermitage

Road in the lower Hunter Valley. This

famous vineyard, under the care of

Ken Bray, was planted in the late 60's

and consistently produces benchmark

Hunter Semillon. The well drained,

'alluvial' soils lead to a unique

expression of what is considered to be

Australia's greatest white wine style.

After a spectacular and early

vintage in the Hunter, the winery

team worked hard to get this

wine ready for bottle in time to

celebrate the 2014 Harvest

at the Annual Harvest

Luncheon. Bottling this wine

early is important to retain

freshness and vitality of

the primary fruit flavours.

A perfect

accompaniment

to seafood this

wine displays

vibrant aromas of

lemongrass and lime.

The palate is crisp &

intense yet elegant,

displaying mineral

texture and delivering

wonderful line and

length. This is truly a

classic wine of great

drive, coupled with

extraordinary finesse

and definition.

We suggest enjoying

this wine now or

confidently cellar

for the next 10 - 20

years.

Click here for detailed tasting notes

WINE REVIEW

Cellar Door Bottle $42.00

Club Bottle $35.50‘Q4’ Member $33.60

Cellar Door Bottle $35.00

Club Bottle $29.50‘Q4’ Member $28.00

2014 RESERVE SINGLE VINEYARD ‘ALLUVIUS’ HUNTER VALLEY SEMILLONRelease Date: May 2014

2010 RESERVE SINGLE VINEYARD ‘ELDERSLEE ROAD’ WRATTONBULLY CABERNET SAUVIGNON

6

WHERE TO FIND OUR WINES

Manx Restaurant & Bar Hamilton

Bar Petite Newcastle

Mercato @ Daylesford Daylesford

QLD

NSW& ACT

VIC

PEPPER TREE WINES

MELBOURNE MEMBERS’ DINNERWe are pleased to invite you and your guests to a food and wine experience at Matteo’s situated on Melbourne's famous 'Brunswick Street'! Enjoy canapés and sparkling wine on arrival followed by an exclusive 4 course meal with premium Pepper Tree Wines to match. This elegant Victorian terrace will set the relaxed atmosphere for a casual evening of fine food and wine and great company!

Friday 5th September 2014 7pm Matteo’s Restaurant 533 Brunswick Street, North Fitzroy VIC $120pp

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

Saturday 18th October 11am – 3:30pm

Relax on the beautiful grounds of Pepper Tree and celebrate the season of spring!

Bring along your picnic rug to kick back on, or have a dance to the groovy tunes of “The Big Bang” while you sample some Pepper Tree Wines from the four regions where our grapes are sourced.

Enjoy a casual lunch to match, prepared by Chef Andrew Wright of The Cellar Restaurant.

Attend a masterclass hosted by our Chief Winemaker Scott Comyns!

Bookings Essential

$55.00 per person

Inclusive of:• Tasting glass• Food and wine tokens • Contango coffee voucher• 30 minute masterclass with the winemaker (optional)

2 0 1 4 E V E N T S C A L E N D A RThe Pepper Tree team have an exciting calendar of events arranged for the second half of the year. Keep an eye out on the website for updates and for further information.

J U LY Brisbane Members' DinnerFriday 4th July – taking wait listEra Bistro, South Brisbane QLD

Sydney Members' DinnerFriday 25th JulyBaroque Bistro, The Rocks, Sydney NSW

A U G U S T 'Q4' Winemakers Table LuncheonSaturday 2nd AugustSaturday 9th AugustPepper Tree Winery, Pokolbin NSW

Pooch PicnicSunday 31st AugustPepper Tree Winery, Pokolbin NSW

S E P T E M B E RMelbourne Members' DinnerFriday 5th SeptemberMatteo’s Restaurant, Fitzroy VIC

O C T O B E R PTW Spring Food & Wine CelebrationSaturday 18th OctoberPepper Tree Winery, Pokolbin NSW

N O V E M B E RSydney Harbour Evening CruiseFriday 7th November, 7–10pm

Sydney Harbour Afternoon CruiseSaturday 8th November, 2–5pm

D E C E M B E R‘Q4’ Afternoon Christmas CruiseSunday 7th December, 2–5pm

2 0 1 5M AY Annual Harvest Luncheon Saturday 23rd May – taking wait listSaturday 30th May – taking wait listPepper Tree Wines, Pokolbin NSW

To enquire or book please CLICK HERE to e-mail or FREECALL 1800 655 965Conditions: Event details subject to change. Due to the extremely high and growing demand, selected events such as the Annual Harvest Luncheon and Sydney Harbour Cruises have set ticket limitations per member.

Pepper Tree Spring Food & Wine Celebration

Flavours of Four Regions

Congratulations to Bernarda Robinson,Winner of our Special Contact List draw!

Receiving a 6 pack of wine!

7

Sydney Members’ DinnerBaroque Bistro, The Rocks Friday 7th March, 2014

We were delighted to host our first Wine Club members event for 2014 at the extremely popular Baroque Bistro in the picturesque Rocks precinct in Sydney. Guests were provided with a fabulous food and wine experience with a selection of premium Pepper Tree Wines, expertly matched to a specialised menu created by Chef Drew Bolton.

FUNCTIONS REVIEW

Annual Harvest LuncheonPepper Tree Wines / Robert Restaurant Saturday 10th & Saturday 17th May, 2014

The Annual Harvest Luncheon is an increasingly popular event amongst our Wine Club Members, signifying the end of Harvest for yet another year. Both events were lucky enough to host perfect temperatures and clear skies while guests sipped on our 2011 Limited Release Sparkling Silenus and enjoyed freshly shucked oysters on the lawns at Pepper Tree. George Francisco and the team at Roberts Restaurant then provided a fabulous degustation menu perfectly matched to some exclusive releases. This event marked the release of our 2014 Reserve ‘Alluvius’ Hunter Valley Semillon and other great varieties such as the Grand Reserve ‘8R’ Wrattonbully Merlot. Local Artist Danielle McManus also released the next edition to the Harvest Lunch Collector plate series with “Enjoying the Spoils of the Harvest”. Thank you again to all those who attended both of these events.

Brisbane April Members’ DinnerModa Restaurant, Brisbane Friday 11th April, 2014

Chief Winemaker Scott and the Pepper Tree team were keen to greet our Wine Club members and guests again at the very popular Moda Restaurant. Chef Javier Codina and Restaurant Manger François, created an amazing evening once again with an inspiring menu matched to selected Pepper Tree Wines. Guests were intrigued with the menu after Javier explained the intricacies of each dish and his passion for fresh food and great wine.

‘Q4’ Benchmark TastingPepper Tree Wines Friday 28th March, 2014

Owner and Chairman John Davis and Chief Winemaker Scott Comyns, were delighted to invite ‘Q4’ Members to an exclusive tasting experience, showcasing some of Pepper Tree Single Vineyard wines alongside some of the world’s best red producers. Producers from the Northern Rhone Valley along with top Australian wine produces were featured. George Francisco of Roberts Restaurant provided a perfect match to each bracket of wine. A great educational evening that was thoroughly enjoyed by ‘Q4’ Members.

8

5 minutes with Bailey Age: 11 months

Breed: West Highland White Terrier Cross

Favourite Food: Food, any food, just as long as it’s plentiful. Although it's true that dogs go whacko for Schmackos!

Favourite Toy: His rope chew toy, although he's quite partial to sticks and has been known to carry one home on walks!

Pet Hate: When the cockatoos come over for a feed.

A day in the life of Bailey: Bailey loves to play hard and sleep hard. He loves his sleep and it's sometimes hard to get him out of bed for his morning walk. But when he's awake he's like a like a mini tornado! If he's not patrolling the borders of our house and garden, he's digging holes, trying to tear apart his rope toy or doing his latest thing of attacking his tail (picture a dog contorted with his behind in the air, his head at a 90 degree on the ground with him pulling on his tail and growling).

Other info about Bailey: Bailey’s owners got him from Newcastle Pound Pooch Rescue now Nova Pooch Rescue, a fabulous no-kill dog rescue organisation that has some great dogs looking for good homes.

Pet Rescue / Newcastle Pound Pooch Rescue

Pepper Tree Pet Club Ambassador Dexter 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

Sunday 31st August 2014

Pencil in your diary our 3rd annual Pooch Picnic Day! Enjoy a day out with the entire family at Pepper Tree with Dr Katrina Warren and ‘The Wonderdogs’. There will be lots of stalls, trick demonstrations and the agility course to test your pooch’s skills! Gold coin donation entry fee to our nominated charity.

Pooch Picnic

SAVE THE DATE

2014 PEPPER TREE WINES

Bailey

PEPPER TREE PET CLUBWe are delighted to introduce you to one of our valued Pet Club members – Bailey.

JOIN PEPPER TREE

PET CLUB

VARIETAL REGION VINTAGE RRP CLUB BTL BTL QTY CLUB CASE CASE QTY TOTAL

WINTER SPECIALS

Winter Fireside Mixed Dozen 402.00 299.00

Winter Fireside Red Dozen 402.00 299.00

GRAND RESERVE RANGE 6 PACK

Single Vineyard '8R' Merlot Wrattonbully 2012 60.00 51.00 306.00

'Tallawanta' Shiraz Hunter Valley 2011 90.00 76.50 459.00

'Strandlines' Cabernet Shiraz Wrattonbully 2010 55.00 46.50 279.00

RESERVE RANGE 12 PACK

'Alluvius' Semillon Hunter Valley 2014 35.00 29.50 354.00

'Venus Block' Chardonnay Orange 2013 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 2011 60.00 51.00 612.00

'Elderslee Road' Cabernet Sauvignon Wrattonbully 2010 42.00 35.50 426.00

SINGLE VINEYARD - LIMITED RELEASE 12 PACK

'Tallawanta' Semillon Hunter Valley 2013 28.00 23.50 282.00

LIMITED RELEASE RANGE 12 PACK

'Silenus' Sparkling Orange 2011 40.00 34.00 408.00

Semillon Hunter Valley 2013 22.00 19.00 228.00

Verdelho Hunter Valley 2014 22.00 19.00 228.00

Pinot Gris Wrattonbully 2013 22.00 19.00 228.00

Viognier Wrattonbully 2013 22.00 19.00 228.00

Chardonnay Hunter Valley 2013 22.00 19.00 228.00

Chardonnay Wrattonbully 2013 22.00 19.00 228.00

'Classics' Cabernet Merlot Wrattonbully 2012 25.00 21.00 252.00

'The Pebbles' Shiraz Viognier Wrattonbully 2012 25.00 21.00 252.00

Cabernet Sauvignon Orange 2012 25.00 21.00 252.00

Shiraz Hunter Valley 2012 35.00 29.50 354.00

VARIETAL RANGE 12 PACK

Semillon Sauvignon Blanc Varietal 2013 18.00 15.00 180.00

Verdelho Varietal 2014 18.00 15.00 180.00

Pinot Gris Varietal 2013 18.00 15.00 180.00

Chardonnay Varietal 2012 18.00 15.00 180.00

Merlot Varietal 2012 18.00 15.00 180.00

Cabernet Sauvignon Varietal 2012 18.00 15.00 180.00

Shiraz Varietal 2012 18.00 15.00 180.00

DESSERT & FORTIFIED 12 PACK

Late Harvest 'Sticky Pig' Pinot Gris Wrattonbully 2013 25.00 21.00 252.00

Vin de Vie – limited stock NV 35.00 30.00 360.00

MIXED DOZENS 12 PACK

Mixed Dozen 267.50

White Dozen 249.00

Red Dozen 274.00

FREIGHT $8 PER CASE

TOTAL $

Full Name: Membership No: D.O.B.

Delivery Address: Suburb: State: P/Code:

Delivery Instructions:

Work Ph: Home : Mobile:

E-mail:

Payment Method: Mastercard Visa Amex Diners

Card No. Expiry Date: 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

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

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

Q4 Club Prices will be adjusted accordingly