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ISSUE 20 SPRING 2014

BEST RED

AT HUNTER WINE SHOW TWO YEARS

RUNNING

Winner! 'Excellence in Customer Service' Award - Hunter Business Awards

WINE REVIEWSSPRING SPECIALS

We are pleased to introduce you to our new Cellar Door Manager – Luke. Luke comes from Greystones, County Wicklow near Dublin, Ireland and has been in Australia for about 7 years. It is a delight to have Luke a part of the team at Pepper Tree and he is looking forward to meeting our Wine Club Members on your next visit to the Cellar Door!How long have you been working in the Hunter Valley for? I have been working in the Hunter for nearly 3 (three not tree) years.What was it that attracted you most to Pepper Tree? The position, staff, Wine Club, history and the way you can bring your dog along to the Cellar Door!What do you believe to be Pepper Tree’s greatest strength? The great Wine Club available, along with the location, geography and history!What is your favourite Pepper Tree wine currently available? 2011 Reserve ‘Coquun’ Hunter Valley ShirazWhat recently released wine do you think our members should keep an eye out for? Anything from the 2014 vintage along with the 2014 ‘Sticky Pig’!What is the most memorable wine you have had? 2009 Hentley Farm 'Clos Otto' ShirazIf you could have dinner with 3 people of your choice who would it be? Bill Bailey, David Attenborough and Jennifer AnistonWhat is your greatest weakness? Darth Vader! Oh no, booze!What is your favourite restaurant to visit in the Hunter Valley? Tuk Tuk Hunter ValleyWhat do you like to do in your spare time? Eat, drink & sleep! I like cars (shows & driving), music. And eating and drinking!!

WELCOMEAs we move into the season of spring, we look forward to welcoming members and guests to our upcoming inaugural event, the Spring Food & Wine Celebration to be held on the lawns at Pepper Tree! Tickets are still available to this anticipated event – see page 6 for more information.

Pepper Tree are excited to announce some great achievements being made during the final months of winter! Chief Winemaker Scott Comyns and the Winemaking team continued their success at this year’s 2014 Clear Image Hunter Valley Wine Show. They were awarded four trophies including the prestigious ‘Doug Seabrook Memorial Trophy - Best Dry Red Wine of Show’ for the 2011 Grand Reserve Single Vineyard ‘Tallawanta’ Hunter Valley Shiraz. This doubles up on the 2013 Hunter Valley Wine Show success where they also took out four trophies for the 2011 Limited Release Hunter Valley Shiraz, which also claimed the ‘Doug Seabrook Memorial Trophy - Best Dry Red Wine of Show’. An outstanding achievement for the team at Pepper Tree!

We are also excited to receive the ‘Excellence in Customer Service’ Award at the recent Hunter Business Awards dinner. This award recognises the hard work of the team and the diverse range of products and services that we offer to customers and our members.

Recently joining our Cellar Door is our new Cellar Door Manager Luke Mulligan, we are delighted to welcome Luke to the team – to find out a bit about Luke, take a look at the staff profile to the right.

Please let us know if you plan to visit the Cellar Door over the months of spring as we would be delighted to book you and your guests into our Members Tasting Lounge. We have some exclusive releases available from our museum to sample and to purchase – call the Wine Club on 1800 655 965 for more information!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Cheers The Pepper Tree Team

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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 ;

Introducing Luke MulliganCellar Door Manager

Winery boys re-bottling and 'quality control testing' our 2004

Grand Reserve reds Scott collecting his trophies at the Hunter Valley Wine Awards Lunch

The 'Cessnock Six' walking group in their Pepper Tree polos on a coffee pitt stop at 'Contango'!

All set for our 'Q4' Winemakers Table Luncheon

Sourdough class in actionTristan accepting the 'Excellence in Customer Service' Award Welcome to the Sourdough

Baker Workshop

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Wine Club Members Case Special $259

RRP $346.50, saving $87.50 + freight free

Wine Club Members Case Special $210

RRP $282, saving $72 + freight free

Tasting notes and free freight included

Tasting notes and free freight included

Spring White Dozen

Spring Mixed Dozen

SPRINGSPECIALS

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

Inclusive of 3 bottles of each of the below:

2013 Limited Release ‘Tallawanta’ Hunter Valley Semillon

2014 Limited Release Orange Sauvignon Blanc

2014 Limited Release Rosé Hunter Valley Shiraz Merlot

2010 Reserve ’14 Shores’ Wrattonbully Merlot

Inclusive of 3 bottles of each of the below:

2013 Limited Release ‘Tallawanta’ Hunter Valley Semillon

2014 Limited Release Orange Sauvignon Blanc

2014 Limited Release Hunter Valley Verdelho

2013 Limited Release Wrattonbully Pinot Gris

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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: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 another long cold winter and until recently, very dry. Driving through the vineyards, we are already seeing plenty of new growth on the vines which means Vintage will once again be knocking on the door as soon as we arrive back from our Christmas break! The recent rainfall has been well appreciated. Finally we will get some colour back into the Valley and this will set the vines up with some much needed nutrients ready to supply and ripen our lovely grapes!

WineryAs soon as our winery team finished packing up after our ‘Q4’ Winemakers Table Luncheons, it was time to celebrate another year of top awards from the Hunter Valley Wine Show. Another 4 trophies to add to the pool room! And a few sore heads the following morning! When the boys finish drinking out of the trophies, they will be blending a few of our Varietal Range wines,

including the 2013 Chardonnay, 2014 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, and our 2013 Cabernet, Merlot and Shiraz! Whilst this is all happening it is time to start grading our 2014 Vintage reds. An exciting time of the year, to see the full scope of what has been achieved this year in the winery. Here we make the call on the future direction of each batch of wine, which ultimately determines whether the wine will make Reserve, Limited Release or Varietal Range quality.

Spring Food & Wine Celebration!Bring along your friends and family to this event for a fun, relaxed day at Pepper Tree. Don’t forget to put your name down to attend a Masterclass also – I look forward to seeing you there!

Cheers

SPRINGTIME IN THE VINEYARD

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The best Hunter Shiraz comes from old vines grown on the renowned red clay soils on the foothills of the Brokenback Range. The Tallawanta vineyard was planted in the 1920's by the Elliot family and to this day produces some of the Hunter’s best Shiraz. Now under the care of Pepper Tree, these 90 year old vines produce tiny quantities of intensely flavoured fruit.

Medium bodied in style with an unmatched ability to age in the bottle, this 2011 Vintage is a wine of great purity, length and longevity - a true Hunter classic.

V IN TAGEThe 2011 Hunter harvest started later than usual (27th January) but back to normal in historical terms. After a mild and wet spring and early summer things dried up. The cooler than normal weather patterns helped the fruit retain good natural acidity ensuring great balance and length of flavour. Good rainfall throughout the prior year allowed the vines to return to normal cropping levels (after the minuscule crops of 2010). Overall a very good harvest from the Hunter Valley.

AWAR D S

Hunter Valley Wine Show 2013 (Class 13)

GOLD MEDAL

Hunter Valley Wine Show 2014 (Class 24)

DOUG SEABROOK MEMORIAL TROPHY (Best Red Wine of the Show)

JAMES BUSBY MEMORIAL TROPHY (Best Mature Three Year Old & Older Shiraz)

DRAYTONS FAMILY TROPHY (Best Named Vineyard Red Wine)

HECTOR TULLOCH MEMORIAL TROPHY (Best Shiraz)

Click here for detailed tasting notes

The 2014 Rosé is a refreshing early drinking, dry style Rosé made from Shiraz and Merlot grapes off our Hunter Valley vineyard.

Rich Turkish Delight and subtle strawberry flavours are abundant on the palate. The Shiraz component provides subtle spice and length while the Merlot creates elements of soft

cherry, both creating a wine with balanced acidity and vibrancy.

The 2014 Vintage was an exceptional vintage in the Hunter with reds picked in good condition with very good flavour and balance, producing outstanding wines with great depth and balance.

A perfect wine to enjoy over a warm spring day long lunch in the sun with BBQ seafood, pork belly and fresh salads followed by a selection of cheese.

W INEM AK IN GMaceration on skins to develop further flavour and texture. Also known as ‘Sancerre’ being a French wine term for Rosé.

BLENDShiraz (80%), Merlot (20%)

Click here for detailed tasting notes

WINE REVIEW

Cellar Door Bottle $90.00

Club Bottle $76.50‘Q4’ Member $72.00

2014 LIMITED RELEASE HUNTER VALLEY ROSÉ SHIRAZ MERLOT

2011 GRAND RESERVE SINGLE VINEYARD ‘TALLAWANTA’ HUNTER VALLEY SHIRAZ

Cellar Door Bottle $23.50

Club Bottle $20.00‘Q4’ Member $18.80

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Bring along a picnic rug to kick back on, or dance to the groovy tunes of The Big Bang while you sample some sensational Pepper Tree Wines and taste the flavours of our four regions. Enjoy a casual lunch

prepared by Chef Andrew Wright (The Cellar Restaurant).Tickets include; • Tasting Glass • Food and Wine Tokens

• Contango Coffee Voucher • 30 Minute Masterclass with our Winemaker. Bookings are essential.$55.00

PER PERSON

TICKETSONLY

Member Tasting Lounge Spring SpecialJoin in and celebrate ‘spring’ with Pepper Tree’s Cellar Door team. Book into the Members Tasting

Lounge over the months of September, October and November and receive a complimentary bottle

of our premium 2013 Limited Release Hunter Valley Semillon valued at $22 per bottle.

Please quote "SLR13SEM" when making your booking to receive this bottle!

To book phone Freecall 1800 655 965 or email ptwclub@peppertreewines.com.au

Please Note: Bookings Essential. To take advantage of this offer or to book the Members Tasting Lounge you must be a current member of PTW. Offer is limited to one bottle per membership. Upon booking please make staff aware if other members will be in attendance at the tasting.

Canberra Members' DinnerFriday 13th June, Waters Edge Restaurant

The team ventured to our nation’s Capital once again for a great dinner with Pepper Tree Wines expertly matched to an exquisite menu created by Waters Edge Restaurant.

FUNCTIONS REVIEW

‘Q4’ Winemakers Table LuncheonSaturday 2nd & Saturday 9th August, Pepper Tree Winery

Our ‘Q4’ Members once again were invited to the exclusive ‘Q4’ Winemakers Table Luncheon held in our winery on consecutive Saturdays. With a temporary kitchen created in the Winery, Troy Rhodes-Brown of Muse Restaurant worked his magic and created an exceptional food experience for our members to enjoy. This event marked the inaugural Single Barrel release of specific varieties whereby John Davis & Scott Comyns personally selected the top barrels that were tasted and offered to 'Q4' Members to purchase prior to being hand bottled by Scott to their own bottling preferences. Thank you to those who attended and we look forward to this special event next year.

Pepper Tree Pooch PicnicSunday 31st August, Pepper Tree

The Pepper Tree team were once again delighted to welcome guests and their pooches to Pepper Tree for the annual Pooch Picnic! With the weather gods on our side providing an absolutely perfect day, guests soaked up the sun as they watched Dr Katrina Warren and The Wonderdogs who put on an amazing show of tricks and agility that kept everyone entertained! Thank you to everyone who came along for such a great day!

Brisbane Members’ DinnerFriday 4th July, Era Bistro

We were delighted to again host our July Brisbane Members’ Dinner at Era Bistro. The Era team looked after our Members & guests extremely well and provided a great match to some new releases of the Pepper Tree Range.

Sydney Members' Mid-Year DinnerFriday 25th July, Baroque Bistro

Due to an overwhelming response to our dinner at Baroque Bistro earlier in the year, we decided to host another food & wine dinner for those who were unable to secure tickets. Winemaker Scott Comyns talked us through the wines matched with each course and Chef Drew Bolton, once again created some fabulous dishes that were a perfect match!

PEPPER TREE

PET CLUB

5 minutes with Roscoe Nick Names: "Rosky" or "Roscinator"

Age: 7.5 months

Breed: English Cocker Spaniel / Poodle

Favourite Food: Loves pigs ears and chicken wings ... and after Christmas last year, he found his way to loving xmas pudding the cheeky dog (he hasn’t had any pudding since)

Favourite Toy: Playing fetch at the dog park and playing with other puppies

Pet Hate: Not getting hugs from people and not getting kisses from other dogs.

A day in the life of Roscoe: Say good morning to daddy every day at 5.30am. Once dad goes to work I jump on

the bed to give mum some cuddles. I have breakfast just before mum leaves for work... I love it when mum and dad arrive home from work, we go for a long walk near the water where there's so many dogs I say g’day to along the way.... then my favourite part of the day comes when I have dinner... then sleep then the same routine all over again!

Other info about Roscoe: Roscoe is just a super affectionate dog! Loves kids, loves puppies, loves socialising, just a great dog to have around. He'll always be in your face when you’re having dessert! He's also very dopey and clumsy! It’s never a dull moment with Roscoe around. And lastly, he's a chick magnet….

2 0 1 4 E V E N T SThe 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.

O C T O B E R PTW Spring Food & Wine Celebration

Saturday 18th OctoberPepper Tree Winery, Pokolbin NSW

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

- taking wait list

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

- taking wait list

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

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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 655 965

Conditions: 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.

ETHIOPIAN - YIRGACHEFFEHISTORY

Legend has it that Kaldi, a humble goat herder, discovered the first coffee tree while walking through a forest in western Ethiopia. Kaldi’s goats did a funny dance after nibbling on some red berries. He tried a few and began dancing too...

Ethiopia has an estimated 1.2 million smallholder coffee farmers, who use only traditional, organic farming practices.

Yirgacheffe is a small micro-region within the much larger region of Sidamo. The high altitudes of this small region afford it

to produce coffees that are so distinct and well-recognized internationally that they are grouped into their own special category.

FLAVOUR PROFILE

Yirgacheffe coffee is renowned for bright citrus acidity, often with lemony character and excellent sweetness. The other most outstanding hallmark of the coffee is a light, herbaceous quality that compliments the fruit flavours well, for a complex and flavourful coffee.

AWARDS

SILVER - ROYAL HOBART FINE FOOD SHOW 2014

We are delighted to introduce you to one of our valued Pet Club members – Roscoe.

Join Pepper Tree Pet Club Club for $39.95 & recieve• 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

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

'THE GRIND' SPRING SPECIALS

Spring Mixed Dozen $346.50 $259.00

Spring White Dozen $282.00 $210.00

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

Sauvignon Blanc Orange 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

Rose Shiraz Merlot Hunter Valley 2014 23.50 20.00 240.00

Merlot Wrattonbully 2012 25.00 21.00 252.00

'Classics' Cabernet Merlot 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 2014 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 2013 18.00 15.00 180.00

Merlot Varietal 2012 18.00 15.00 180.00

Cabernet Sauvignon Varietal 2013 18.00 15.00 180.00

Shiraz Varietal 2013 18.00 15.00 180.00

DESSERT & FORTIFIED 12 PACK

Late Harvest 'Sticky Pig' Pinot Gris Wrattonbully 2014 25.00 21.00 252.00

MIXED DOZENS 12 PACK

Mixed Dozen 267.50

White Dozen 258.00

Red Dozen 272.00

Freight $12 per case | Wine Club Members $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