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. 

From Estate vineyards in the Orange region, this Pinot Noir has the benefit of fruit growing at a higher altitude, with a cooler climate, than most. Garnet with a ruby russet rim, the nose exhibits raspberries and cherries, a hint of orange rind, aniseed, florals and spices. It is a most appealing nose and leads us to an elegant, well balanced, seamless Pinot Noir palate, with a fine line of acidity running the length. That palate offers hints of truffles and there is very good length. A lot to like here and every reason to believe that it will improve further over the next six to eight years. Drink: 2026–2034; Price: $40.00; Rating: 93 Points; Ken Gargett