Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block Red Blend - 14.5% ABV

The Chocolate Block has become something of a cult favourite.The quest to understand the name of this wine and the wine itself is now the stuff of legend. While we are not about to reveal all, we can say that the style of the wine is a reflection of our belief that the Cape, with its Mediterranean climate, is eminently suited to blended reds.The make-up of this wine is tweaked from vintage to vintage to best reflect the season and the ancient vines of great character that are an integral part of the wine's charm and personality.

South Africa

14.5

10.9

Syrah 73%; Grenache 11%; Cinsault 8%; Cabernet Sauvignon 7%; Viognier 1%

The nose is dark and brooding and entices with its black fruit aromas and hints of pepper and spice.The blueberry and blackberry of the nose follow through onto a layered, full palate with flavours of dark plums and notes of dust, graphite and cocoa nib. The wine is focused and elegant, with fresh yet integrated acid ity and fine-grain ed tannins, adding to exceptional structure. Black currant and milk chocolate linger on a silky finish.

Boekenhoutskloof was established in 1776. Located in the furthest corner of the beautiful Franschhoek valley, the farm's name means "ravine of the Boekenhout"(pronounced Book-n-Howed). Boekenhout is an indigenous Cape Beech tree greatly prized for furniture making. In 1993 the farm and homestead was bought and restored and a new vineyard planting programme was established that now includes Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Semillon and Viognier.

The grapes for The Chocolate Block are predominantly from two farms in The Swartland: Porseleinberg and Gold Mine. Porseleinberg has been described as one of the world's great Syrah sites. Both farms are planted with bush vines which are dry farmed. The harsh environment leads to sublime wines.

Grapes are cooled in our cold room then transferred to our stainless steel and concrete tanks for fermentation. A combination of partially destemmed and whole-bunch clusters ferment spontaneously with minimal sulphur additions and no acidification. A soft delestage is performed 2-3 times per day.Syrah is the predominant variety and accounts for a 73% contribution to the blend. Grenache (11%) from bush-vines on Porseleinberg is the subtle superstar of the blend that offers a perfumy brightness and allows the wine to deliver a gastronomic texture. The moderate conditions were a welcome relief for Swartland Cabernet Sauvignon (7%). The cooler, balanced growing season was particularly beneficial in providing a more elegant, old-world style of the variety. In summary: 2020 is a vintage which shows exceptional balance and texture with a youthful elegance. These hallmarks certainly favour significant ageing potential.Syrah and Cinsault were matured in a combination of seasoned 2,500L French oak foudres and barriques. Grenache was matured in seasoned 600L demi-muids. Cabernet Sauvignon was the only component exposed to new French oak barrique. The elevage ranged between 11 & 14 months, dependant on component and vineyard parcel. 2982 barriques were selected for our 2020 vintage.

New Generation Wines

Marc Kent