Groote Post Vineyards started to produce wine 10 years ago and as a result they've become a formidable winery in the Darling wine district on the Cape's West Coast.

Looking back to their entry in the 2000 edition of The John Platter guide you would see a listing of only two wines, namely a Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay both from the 1999 vintage.

In 2009 they have no fewer than 11 wines on offer, including their most recent release — the charming and delicious Noble Late Harvest made from Chardonnay.

Co-owners, father and son, Peter (or fondly known as 'The Old Man') and Nick Pentz, are no strangers to the Darling area.

Peter Pentz owned and successfully managed Union Dairy Farms and in 1998 it was no surprise that he was awarded South Africa's Farmer of the Year. A few years ago Peter sold their high-quality Holsten Dairy herd which ended the 97 years of the Pentz family being in the dairy and milk business.

Peter, a dedicated conservationist, was one of the driving forces behind the establishment of the Cape West Coast Biosphere Reserve which stretches from the Milnerton Lagoon to Langebaan. The reserve includes Groote Post which alone has 2000 hectares of conservation-worthy natural vegetation.

Two wines of the week?

I thought that for this week we would have two wines as I believe we cannot separate them. They are the highly successful Groote Post Old Mans Blend, white and red.

Named after the Old Man (Peter) these two wines are my favourite to enjoy on a casual everyday basis. When I arrive home we start off with the white and later move on to the red for dinner.

The Old Mans Blend White 2008 is a combination of Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc. Aromas of crisp Granny Smith apple and citrus the palate follows through with clean fresh flavours of apple and pear with lovely minerality on the finish.

The Old Mans Blend Red 2007 is a blend led by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with a small addition of Cabernet Franc. The wine is soft and smooth with lovely aromas of mixed berries and rich fruitcake, leading to delicious herbaceous flavours with plumy fruit and layers of spice.

Expect to pay:

Groote Post Old Mans Blend White 2008 – R42.50
Groote Post Old Mans Blend Red 2007 – R47

To order this, contact Wine Concepts.