The Chocolate Block 2017 - Boekenhoutskloof

The Chocolate Block from Boekenhoutskloof from the South African wine-growing region of Swartland is an exciting cuvée of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Cinsault and Viognier.

This wine appears almost ink-black in the glass. After a short time in the air, this red wine spreads a seductive aroma of dark berries, tobacco boxes, floral notes - especially lilac and violet - and delicate notes of sweet mocha and fine chocolate. On the palate, the Chocolate Block is very strong with a good structure and excellent tannin, as well as an acidity that offers this cuvée some reserve. In the never-ending finish, its clear mineral component and fine spicy aromas as well as the fully ripe fruit and the name-giving cocoa show up.

This South African red wine cuvée speaks for itself: one of Boekenhoutskloof's most coveted wines!

Vinification of the Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block

For this red wine the individual grape varieties are cultivated on different vineyards from Franschhoek to Wellington to Swartland and only the best terroirs are used for the respective grape varieties. The Syrah comes from Malmesbury north of Cape Town. The oldest Grenache vines from South Africa stand at the foot of the Cederberg Mountains in Citrusdal and the Cinsault grows on bush vines on granite near Wellington. The Viognier and also the Cabernet Sauvignon are cultivated directly at the winery.

The Grenache is matured in 600 litre barrels, all other grape varieties in French oak barrels and 2 500 litres of French oak boudrés. The wood is matured for 12 months. Finally, this wine undergoes a light protein polishing and filtration.

Food recommendation for the Chocolate Block Boekenhoutskloof

This dry red wine from South Africa goes excellently with grilled dishes, beef and spicy fried meat pieces.

Awards for the Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block

• Tim Atkin: 92 points for 2017
• John Platter: 5 Stars for 2017