Issue 64 | Winter 2013

OFF THE PRESS

GRILLADE | NEW VINTAGE WINES | EVENTS

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As the days become shorter and the nights

cooler, Autumn in the Hunter Valley is my

favourite season of the year and is the

perfect time to visit the Hunter Valley, the

madness of vintage is behind us and it’s

now time to take a breath sit back with

a glass of Briar Ridge wine and plan the

coming season whilst enjoying the cooler

nights and beautiful sunny days.

When the night time temperature has

dropped, the grape vines shut down and

stop growing. Their leaves turn from bright

green to various shades of orange before

falling off the vine.

Once the vines have become completely

dormant the vineyard team will start

pruning, we first use a mechanical pruning

machine that is attached to a tractor that

passes over the vines and mulches the

excess growth leaving enough wood that

is then cut and thinned by a team of hand

pruners.

When we have finished pruning the

65000 vines at Briar Ridge vineyard we

then tie down the canes to the cordon wire

and check that all the trellis that supports

the vines is tight and ready for the new

season’s growth. Hopefully this should

all be completed by September when the

vines will begin to shoot and the growing

season begins.

Cheers Belinda – Vineyard Manager

Winter is here, which means vintage is over! Saying that, the work does not stop! Its now time to start preparing most of our 2013 Whites for bottle, bedding down the 2013 Reds and pulling out our 2012 Reds from oak, which includes the Big Bully, and the much anticipated Members Blend!

Although many of you will start pulling out more reds over the Winter months, there are still plenty of White varieties that can be enjoyed through the cooler Months, including Chardonnay, aged Semillons and Pinot Gris. I have to make special mention to one wine that is in the pack this Month, which I believe can be enjoyed all year round, it is a new wine for the Briar Ridge family, and that is the S’Bella Semillon.

“S” stands for Semi-Sweet, and we all know what “Bella” means! This is an off-dry style of wine. It is not classed as a Sweet wine, and it is definitely not dry. Containing 35g/L of un-fermented sugar, this Semillon has mouth-watering freshness, the natural fruit sweetness is balanced with a lovely green apple acidity which gives the wine length and persistence. The sugar level means this wine also has low alcohol and a lovely smooth texture, which lends itself to being a great food wine, especially with soft cheeses, seafood and anything with a hint of spice.

Cheers Scott – Winemaker

W I N E R Y & V I N E Y A R D

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S`Bella is the new beautiful sweet addition to the Briar Ridge range, a wonderfully light and fruity off dry Semillon divinely easy to drink. With a bouquet of fruit salad and musk the new S`Bella is a delight to the senses. Chilled down on a hot summers afternoon there could not be a better way to consume this delightful wine. A pale straw colour with a fresh clean vibrant finish, the S`Bella displays abundant flavours of lemon blossom, green apple and lychees. With soft acidity and a light and delicate finish. S`Bella is a wonderfully low alcohol wine at 8.5%. It is a way too enjoy a few glasses of this fantastic wine without getting too tipsy. The S`Bella matches back perfectly with spicy Asian food, a decadent cheese platter or even as an aperitif so enjoy this addictively easy to drink wine with friends.

FROM THE CELLAR DOORwith Charise Foulstone

2013 Homestead Verdelho

A superb Hunter Valley vintage allows this wine to develop into a big fruit driven style. Fruity on the nose and crisp on the palate with a refreshing dry finish.

2013 Cellar Reserve Gewurztraminer

A rare variety in the Hunter Valley, this wine displays a hint of fruit sweetness that intensifies with rose petals and lychee characteristics. It is crisp and lively on the palate and will be a perfect accompaniment to spicy Asian style cuisine.

2011 Cold Soaked Cabernet Sauvignon

Our cold soaked cabernet is sourced from our Orange vineyard in an optimal cool climate area. The 2011 vintage exhibits intense plum and berry aromas with great length, back palate tannins and a soft vanillin oak finish.

NEW RELEASE WINES With the first of the 2013 whites being bottled and some of our previous vintage reds, our new look labels are starting to appear on our bottles and we all think they look pretty swish! The new labels are a 100% tree free and are made from Stone! Stone-Paper. A natural product that is energy efficient and environmentally friendly. We hope you enjoy sampling some of our new release wines and like the new Briar Ridge look.

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CHRISTMAS IN JULYA Christmas inspired evening in the vines. Complimentary Canapés & Sparkling on arrival followed by a banquet feast. Briar Ridge Wines available to purchase on the evening. BYO welcome. Lucky Door Prize to be Won!

6PM SATURDAY 27TH JULY

$60 PER PERSON

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL

PHONE 02 4990 8601

BRIAR GRILLADE

Visit Briar Grillade for our Food & Wine fusion of the month.

Every month Chef Peter Edmunds selects his favourite dish which is then matched with a premium Briar Ridge wine available by the glass or bottle.

Our Current recommendations

2012 Hand Picked Chardonnay – enjoy with Warm goats cheese & artichoke tart, with a salad of fresh baby spinach, roasted tomatoes, walnuts, Spanish onion & orange dressing

2011 Old Vines Shiraz - enjoy with Char grilled eye fillet of beef served with potato gratin, asparagus and Old Vines Shiraz jus.

Don’t forget to mention you’re a Vintage Club Member for your Briar Grillade discount.

FUNCTIONS AND EVENTS

Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Brokenback mountain range, We offer a

unique experience for you and your guests for any type of function. Whether you’re

after a corporate dinner, engagement party, birthday celebration or Christmas

cocktail party, our Briar Grillade Restaurant & Function Centre can cater to your

every need and reduce the stress of organizing such an event.

Why not have your next function or event at Briar Grillade

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OFF THE GRILL WITH PETE Serves 4

12 lamb cutlets (frenched)200g cous cous1 red capsicum1 green capsicum1 red onion200g semidried tomato1/2 bunch parsley50mL olive oil

Moroccan Spice Mix5g ground nutmeg5g ground cumin5g ground coriander10g all spice10g ground ginger10g cayenne pepper5g cinnamonMix all together and store in airtight container.

Coriander Yoghurt 250mL Greek yoghurt1/2 bunch of coriander10g ground cuminFinely slice the coriander and mix with the yoghurt & cumin. Season to taste.

Marinate the lamb cutlets in a small amount of olive oil and the Maroccan spice mix overnight.

In a small heatproof bowl add the cous cous and enough boiling water to just cover. Set aside for 5 minutes.

Dice all other ingredients and add to cous cous mixing with a fork. Add 10mLs of olive oil and salt and pepper.

Sear the cutlets on both sides and cook to desire. Allow to rest in warm place for 2 minutes before serving.

Serve with our 2011 Cold Soaked Cabernet Sauvignon

Moroccan Spiced Lamb Cutlets with Mediterranean cous cous and coriander yoghurt

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Have you ever been in a situation where there was a bottle of wine on the table but no wine glasses anywhere? Many years ago I had been. Well, you would think that the taste of a wine is very simply the same irrespective of the container from which you sip it.

At least to my palate, that is not so. If you don’t believe me, try tasting a wine from a cup. In my opinion, wine just has to be drunk from a glass, preferably a wine glass.

Mr George Riedel of the Riedel Wine Glass Company would tell you that it is just as important that the glass has the right shape for the varietal wine you are enjoying. A delicate white wine like Riesling would be served in a reasonably small glass with narrow opening to avoid too much air contact, whereas a deeper flavoured wine like oaked Chardonnay would benefit from a bigger glass allowing more air to get to the wine, especially when you can swirl the wine in the glass.

Red wine glasses are the biggest, they have more surface area for the wine to aerate more which will promote greater flavour enhancement. The large round bowl of the Burgundy glasses are better for holding the subtle aromas of medium bodied reds such as Pinot Noir. For Shiraz and Cabernet the Bordeaux glass is recommended for its more oval shape.

Sparkling wines are best served in Champagne flutes, tall and narrow, which keep the wine bubbly for longer. This is for me the only wine where the glass can be reasonably full.

With other wines, white and red, it is wise to not over-fill; the best level is usually where the glass is at its widest, which allows room in the glass to swirl the wine for greater enjoyment and flavour enhancement.

I am not saying all this to make you go out and buy heaps of glasses, by all means do if you feel so inclined; but basically you choose the shape and size of glass from which you prefer to drink your wine.

One other thought, if you like to enjoy the colour of the wine, as I do, don’t use coloured glasses.

THE VINTAGE CLUB2012 MEMBERS’ BLEND

At our Indulgence Day in March this year, a small group of Vintage Club Members’ took part in our first Members Blending exercise.

With lots of different blends being created throughout the day by all teams, under the watchful eyes of our winemakers Scott & Karl. One blend stood out and was agreed upon by all involved which will now be bottled as our first ever 2012 Members Blend.

This wine has been made in a very limited quantity and is only available exclusively to Vintage Club Members. Its arrival is imminent!

BIG BULLY

It’s almost time to get your hands on some of our Member’s Reserve Big Bully from Wrattonbully, South Australia.

Be waiting for our phone call in August for your opportunity to take advantage of our next release of this very popular Big Gutsy Red!

Wine Glasses – Karl Stockhausen

CLUB PACK NEWSLETTERS WILL BE GOING ELECTRONIC!Future newsletters will now be sent to your email address in the club pack months of March, June and October.

Printed copies will still be available through the cellar door.

If you wish to receive a printed copy with your club pack, Please contact the Vintage Club on 02 4990 3670 or email us at indulge@briarridge.com.au

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SAXANOVA DINNER

Friday 2nd August – Rocksalt Restaurant, Newcastle

Enjoy an evening of Fine Food & Premium Briar Ridge Wines at Rocksalt Restaurant Newcastle.

Live entertainment by the Jazz, Funk, Rock & Soul Groovers – Saxanova.

6.45pm Friday 2nd August

Dress Smart Casual

$85 per person

To Book Contact Rocksalt Restaurant on 02 4961 1676

Members’ New Release tasting & Canapés on the Wharf

Friday 19th July – Sydney Dance Lounge, Walsh Bay

Join us at the Sydney Dance Lounge - Walsh Bay as we bring to you our new release wines for your enjoyment whilst indulging in some scrumptious canapés on the wharf overlooking the Harbour.

6.30pm Friday 19th July

Dress Smart Casual

$60 per person

To book call the Vintage Club on 02 4990 3670

MEMBER EVENTS

SPRING INDULGENCE DINNER

Saturday 14th September – Briar Grillade

On arrival at Briar Grillade, indulge in a glass of Sparkling Pinot Chardonnay with mouthwatering canapés followed by an Indulgent four course menu prepared by chef Peter Edmunds. Enjoy a premium selection of Briar Ridge Wines selected to enhance your dining experience.

Entertainment provided on the evening by our very own Hunter Valley Piano Man - Stuart Hamilton.

Free return shuttle bus transfer from your accommodation in the Mount View/Cessnock/Pokolbin Area.

6.30pm Saturday 14th September

Dress Smart Casual

$125 per person

Bookings are essential

Please contact the Vintage Club on 02 4990 3670

WINTER CLUB PACK WINES

2010 Black Label Signature Karl Stockhausen Semillon W6 WD

Vintage Club Price $22

Sourced from some of the best fruit from our Mount View vineyard, this Semillon developed fast with intense and long lime characteristics that sees this wine aging nicely right now. Due to the long and hot daylight hours that this vintage was subjected to, this wine has tight acidity and great length of flavour on the palate with a nose of lemon and slightly sweet aromas. Drink now until 2014.

2011 Signature Karl Stockhausen Semillon WD M6

Vintage Club Price $22

Brilliant pale straw colour with green tinged hues. Lifted lemon blossom and citrus aromas typical of the variety. The palate displays refreshing citrus acidity with a crisp but delicate structure. The finish is persistent with lingering lime zest characters adding great length to the wine. Drinking well now or will develop very rewarding toasty, honey characters with careful cellaring, 6-8 years.

2010 Cellar Reserve Orange Cabernet Sauvignon RD

Member Exclusive

Vintage Club Price $22

This wine displays aromas of blackberry, hints of mint and cigar box. Full bodied with moderate tannin and good palate structure, weight and length. Consume up till 2018.

2011 Cold Soaked Cabernet R6 RD M6 MD

Vintage Club Price $19.50

Our Cold Soaked Cabernet is sourced from our Orange Vineyard in an optimal cool climate area. The 2011 vintage exhibits intense plum and berry aromas with great length, back palate tannins and a soft vanillin oak finish.

2012 Signature Karl Stockhausen Shiraz R6 RD M6 MD

Vintage Club Price $22

Sourced from parcels of fruit from the Tallawanta vineyard in the Hunter Valley, this wine is some of the best shiraz that the 2012 vintage produced. Hot and wet conditions saw the bulk of the hunter fruit go to waste, except our vineyard. This wine exhibits intense ripe fruit characteristics on the nose and palate with a hit of sweet dark berry flavours and long and lean tannins. Ideal now until 2016.

2010 Cellar Reserve Orange Shiraz RD

Member Exclusive

Vintage Club Price $22

This medium bodied wine displays excellent line and length with a lovely mix of red berry fruit flavours balanced by savoury tannins and fine grain French oak. Whilst approachable now this wine will benefit and blossom with medium to long term cellaring.

2011 Red Trio R6 RD

Vintage Club Price $15

A harmonious blend of three red varieties. The shiraz provides pepper spice, Cabernet Sauvignon for blackberry and firm tannin structure and Merlot for soft plums and smooth finish. Enjoy with friends and food.

2011 Karl Stockhausen Signature Chardonnay W6 WD

Vintage Club Price $22

This wine is rich and flavoursome displaying refreshing melon and citrus characters supported by vanillin oak. The palate is soft and creamy with a lingering finish. Consume now or drink through till 2016.

2013 Homestead Verdelho W6 WD M6 MD

New Vintage

Vintage Club Price $18

A superb 2013 Hunter Valley vintage allows this wine to develop into a big fruit driven style. Fruity on the nose and crisp on the palate with a refreshing dry finish.

2012 White Trio WD

Vintage Club Price $15

A harmonious blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon & Chardonnay, creating a light refreshing early drinking style. Vibrant aromas of passionfruit, lemon and fresh grass are highlighted from the Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon elements while the Chardonnay adds complexity and balance.

2013 S’bella Off-Dry Semillon W6 WD M6 MD

New Release

Vintage Club Price $20

Our new S'bella Semillon displays lovely natural fruit sweetness, crisp green apple characters with great length and a persistent finish. A perfect aperitif!

Find My Club Pack Wines

W6 White Six Pack WD White Dozen R6 Red Six Pack RD Red Dozen M6 Mixed Six Pack MD Mixed Dozen

VINEYARD & VARIETY VINTAGE RRP CLUB PRICE

BTL QTY CLUB CASE

CASE QTY TOTAL

WINTER SPECIALS

Trio Range Dozen – $216 Save $76 $140

Cold Soaked Cabernet - 6 pack 2010 $138 Save $48 $90

Trio Range – 6 pack – $108 Save $33 $75

SPARKLING

Pinot Chardonnay 2011 $29 $25 $278

TRIO RANGE

White Trio (CLUB PACK) 2012 $18 $15 $173

Rosé Trio 2012 $18 $15 $173

Red Trio (CLUB PACK) 2011 $18 $15 $173

VARIETAL RANGE

Early Harvest Semillon 2012 $21 $18 $200

Homestead Verdelho (CLUB PACK) 2013 $21 $18 $200

Hand Picked Chardonnay 2012 $21 $18 $220

Old Vines Shiraz 2011 $23 $19.50 $220

Cold Soaked Cabernet Sauvignon (CLUB PACK) 2011 $23 $19.50 $220

SIGNATURE & RESERVE RANGE

S’bella Off-Dry Semillon (CLUB PACK) 2013 $24 $20 $230

Cellar Reserve Gewurztraminer 2013 $24 $20 $230

Cellar Reserve Hunter Valley Merlot 2011 $26 $22 $250

Cellar Reserve Orange Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 $26 $22 $250

Signature Karl Stockhausen Semillon 2012 $26 $22 $250

Signature Karl Stockhausen Chardonnay (CLUB PACK) 2011 $26 $22 $250

Signature Karl Stockhausen Shiraz 2011 $35 $30 $360

SINGLE VINEYARD RANGE

Single Vineyard Dairy Hill Semillon 2011 $32 $27 $307

Single Vineyard Briar Hill Chardonnay 2011 $35 $30 $336

Single Vineyard Dairy Hill Shiraz 2010 $60 $51 $576

DESSERT & FORTIFIED WINES

Botrytis Semillon 2010 $25 $21 $240

Liqueur Muscat 500mL NV $45 $38 $432

Grillade Extra Virgin Olive Oil NV $20 $16 NA

Grillade Balsamic NV $20 $16 NA

FREE FREIGHT FOR ORDERS OVER $300All other freight $12 per case

TOTAL $

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593 Mount View Road, Mount View NSW 2325 P 02 4990 3670 F 02 4990 7802 E indulge@briarridge.com.au www.briarridge.com.au Liquor Act 1982 - It is an offence to sell or to supply to obtain liquor on behalf of a person under the age of 18 years. ABN: 64003339213 LIQ LIC: W800702011