For thirty years Pepper Tree has been a beacon for quality wine in the heart of Hunter wine country. Founded in 1991 it continues to flourish as one of the stalwart wine companies of the region. Pepper Tree started with a focus on grapes from the Hunter Valley but today the roots run deep with vineyard sites in four premium wine growing regions across Australia situated in the Hunter and Orange in NSW to prized patches of soil in Coonawarra and Wrattonbully in South Australia. 

Black forest cherries, juniper and bay leaf. Crushed allspice, licorice root and coal. There is a chew to the tannins and fine line of acidity that carries the ripe black fruit right to the back palate. A sappyness of grape tannins means this wine will continue to evolve and improve. Excellent for its price tag. Drink to: 2029; Alcohol: 13.6%; Rating: 93 Points; James Halliday Wine Companion

The team use a range of Pinot Noir clones, destemmed and cold soaked for five days. Pressing is into French oak puncheons for maturation. A subdued garnet hue here, savoury style, with an earthy complexity. Underneath we have red fruits, leather and forest floor notes. Bright acidity is a feature, as are the soft tannins. Drink to: 2029; Price: $40.00; Rating: 92 Points; Ken Gargett