Groote Post - Darling Hills - South Africa

Where the atlantic ocean meets one of the greatest continents in the world

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GROOTE POST VINEYARDS 
                                                                                                                                   Groote Post is an historic 18th century farm on the Cape's West Coast where winemaking traditions have been revived by the Pentz family. Unique aspects and cool climatic conditions of the Darling Hills yield superlative fruit. Their wines are produced to reflect the uniqueness of our vineyards. When Peter and Nick Pentz set out to establish their vineyards, they identified 1000 hectares as potential sites for quality vineyards. However, they eventually settled on the best 120 hectares available and embarked on a 14-year planting programme. 100 Hectares have been planted to date. Their philosophy has been carried through to the cellar where only the best will be vinified with the remaining grapes being sold off.

Vineyard plantings are all on the south-facing upper slopes of the Kapokberg in the Darling Hills overlooking the icy Atlantic Ocean. Altitudes of the vineyards vary from 200m to 450m above sea leve. The prevailing summer southeasterly winds keep the vineyards cool throughout the warm summer months. The effect of these cooling winds is amply illustrated by the fact that Groote Post harvest their Sauvignon Blanc 3 to 4 weeks later than they do down in the Darling and Malmesbury areas. Soils are deep with good water retention qualities.

No irrigation is used and annual rainfall averages 480mm per annum. Viticultural consultant Johan Pienaar has overseen the vineyard developments.

When the initial plantings were ready for harvesting, they were sold to nearby Darling Cellars, whose cellarmaster, Abé Beukes, always vinified their grapes separately, until the blending stage. The wine exceeded Peter and Nicks expectations and the decision was made to fast-track the construction of a cellar in time for the 1999 harvest. The 300-ton capacity cellar was built in a restored historic fort (guarding post) on the Klawer Valley farm. Their aim is clear - to maximise the potential of their outstanding terroir and produce wines of the highest quality!

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White Wine

Sauvignon Blanc 2008

From old bush vine; a light, refined style with subtle tropical fruit and abundant pear and guava flavours, both on the nose and palate. Alc. 12.5%

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Chenin Blanc 2008

Fruit driven with lovely citrus tones and a concentrated finish, this must be the best Chenin Blanc that I have ever tasted! From old bush vine; a light, refined style with subtle tropical fruit and abundant pear and guava flavours, both on the nose and palate. Alc.12.5%

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Chardonnay Unwooded 2008

A very classy Chardonnay that is fresh, fruity with a wonderful round finish. No oak is used in producing this wine, hence the bouquet and the taste of a pure fruit driven wine. An appealing citrus and hint of lime nose with a generous palate of marmalade and preserved ginger. Its full flavours and good length with a lively acid structure makes this an ideal food wine, especially Asian and fusion cuisine. Alc.13.5%

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Old Man's Blend 2008

A wine produced with 50% Chenin Blanc and 50% Sauvignon Blanc. Packed with lively tropical fruit flavours makes this a perfect quaffing wine! A light, refreshingly crisp white blend with a slight lemon and lime aroma with a delicate palate of Granny Smith apples and a bracing minerality for those long and languid summer days. Alc.13%

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Red Wines

Old Man's Blend 2008

A blend of Bordeaux grape varities with so much more! An intense, ripe, red berry flavour makes this a truly stunning wine! A down to earth, easy drinking red which is soft and smooth. Merlot based, the nose has a faint touch of white pepper and spice with abundant berry and rich plum flavours on the palate. A value for money wine that's perfect to share and everyone has a favourite Old Man in their life! Alc.14%

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Merlot 2006

Hints of smokey mint, barrel aged lovely cassis on the palate, with a long lingering taste! A wine that is a product of our never ending quest to perfect our wine-making craft. The 2006 vintage is the most elegant and stylish Merlot that we have produced and all the characteristics one seeks in Merlot are in abundance. A hint of smoked beef and mint on the nose. An explosion of blackberries, plum and chocolate on the palate. The firm tannin and mint structure adding to the complexity of this wine that was aged in French oak for 15 months. Alc.14%

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Shiraz 2007

A rich, powerful wine, with ripe spicy fruit making this a big mouthful! Patience, time and reward; the trilogy behind this wine. Already accessible, although full-bodied, bold and generous, this vintage will reward those patient enough to keep it for a year or more. A bramble, white pepper and violet nose tasting of dark fruits and spice on the palate. Well managed oak integration has led to a smooth and elegant wine that will be a stand out vintage. Alc.14.5%

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Pinot Noir 2006/7

Richly perfumed with a subtle hint of oaky spice and.... so very much more than a Burgundy Pinot Noir! This elegant and generous Darling Hills Pinot Noir displays a great deal of red berries and ripe strawberries supported by delicate oak tannins and smoky flavours. Alc.14.5%

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Contact Graham and place your order - NOW!