The World of Groote Post - Winter 2004
Wednesday, 7 July, 2004
Groote Post
A warm wintry welcome to the first of our regular newsletters bringing our readers up to date on recent developments from the world of Groote Post.
A warm wintry welcome to the first of our regular newsletters bringing our readers up to date on recent developments from the world of Groote Post. Coinciding perfectly with significant changes occurring within South Africa’s wine industry and within Darling, the newsletter intends to inform (and entertain) and we welcome feedback and your input.
Groote Post is an historic wine farm on the cool hills of Darling on South Africa’s West Coast. An oasis of calm and serenity, modern wine making techniques and passionate people produce a range of award winning wines that consistently deliver a wine experience to be savoured. The Pentz family invite you to come and visit the farm when you’re next in the fairest Cape.
The 2004 Harvest Report
We have experienced the longest harvest period in our history with this year’s vintage. Lower than rainfall (30% less than average), fluctuating temperatures throughout the year and some extremely hot days have made 2004 a most challenging year, with a sense of expectation, we’re thrilled to report that our vines have truly come of age. Perfect balance was displayed between berries and leaves and the foliage to crop ratio was the best ever. These challenging conditions have also led to very successful physiological factors with phenolic ripeness resulting in complex wines displaying superb fruit flavours and stunning intensity. Again our Sauvignon Blanc continues to impress with its consistency and sought after fruit acid balance. Supplementary irrigation, used for the first time, has also assisted in ensuring optimal ripeness and ever improving quality across all cultivars but to focus on just a few:
Chardonnay
The discovery of botrytis within 5% of the Chardonnay vines resulted in a tremendously fruity wine with great depth and complexity.
Pinot Noir
Without a doubt the best harvest ever from this perennial favourite. Much riper fruit than before demonstrating that this site, shrouded in mist and drenched with a deep cooling spray from the cold Atlantic Ocean, is as perfect a site to nurture the “enfant terrible” as anywhere else in South Africa.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Only the second crop from our 5 year old plantings and the potential is overwhelming. A huge mouthfeel with deep rich colours and laden with fruit it has led to an ongoing debate. Will this be the catalyst to produce Darling’s first Bordeaux styled blend? Watch this space!!
Merlot
This voluptuous beauty has delivered on all the attention she demands. A touch of irrigation has resulted in the juiciest of fruit driven Merlots. We’re confident her Double Gold status will continue for years to come.
The World of Groote Post
All the Good News
Following on from a successful Veritas year.
2003 Sauvignon Blanc – Silver
2002 Wooded Chardonnay – Gold
2001 Pinot Noir – Bronze
2001 Merlot – Double Gold
This years first awards ceremony entered (The 2004 Swiss International Air Lines Awards) resulted in the following awards.
2003 Sauvignon Blanc – Silver
2002 Shiraz – Bronze
2002 Merlot – Seal of approval
2003 Sauvignon Blanc – White Wine of Show & Gold medal winner at the World Wine Market International Wine Competition in San Francisco
Hilda’s Kitchen, our restaurant in the Manor House at Groote Post was awarded the Best New Restaurant on the West Coast by the annual Eat Out magazine for the 2004 edition.
Darling having recently been proclaimed a district by the Wine and Spirit Board, has started its own wine tour called The Darling Wine Experience. With fours cellars to visit in the area, the wine lover will be assured of a fantastic time when next visiting the Cape.
Special focus on our Winemaker – Lukas Wentzel
Lukas and his lovely wife Tersia have been part of the Groote Post family since 2000. Previously at La Motte in Franschhoek. Lukas is passionate about wine-making. He recalls his most memorable wine moment as his first to the Darling Hills, where with a vista stretching out to the Atlantic Ocean and with Table Mountain in clear sight be realised how blessed he was to work in this incredible environment. His decision to dedicate his life to the art of the winemaking was not an instant one. More of a gradual development which has resulted in a number of awards already in his career. His winemaking philosophy is all about balance – from the vine to the bottle – and those who know him, know that this philosophy also reflects on his character. When not in the vineyards or in the cellar or with his young family. Lukas can be found kayaking or sailing. He also makes time for a quick round on Darling’s lovely 9 hole golf course. His favourite meal: A rich “skaapnek” potjie with a glass or two of the 2001 Groote Post Shiraz.
Cellar Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 09h00 to 17h00
Saturday: 09h00 to 14h30
Restaurant open for lunch Wednesday to Saturday
Picnics can be ordered 24 hours in advance
Cellar & Restaurant: 022 492-2825
Email: gpwines@wcaccess.co.za
www.grootepost.com