2023 Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block (375ml)

A nicely fleshed, medium bodied blend with a savoury blue to dark fruited finish.

The Boekenhoutskloof vineyard, named after the original property set up in 1776, was founded in 1993 in the Franschhoek Valley, when it was planted with Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Semillon, and Viognier. Today, under the helm of the winemaker Mark Kent, they produce a range of iconic wines including the Boekenhoutskloof Estate Wines, The Wolftrap, Porcupine Ridge, The Chocolate Block, and the Porseleinberg from the Swartland.
The 2023 Chocolate Block (the 22nd vintage of this wine) is a blend of 74% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cinsault and 1% Viognier. The wine is matured in a combination of seasoned 2,500L French oak foudres, 225L barriques, and seasoned 600L demi-muids for a period of 14 months.
Deep dark red black core with a dark red hue. Fragrant aromas of dark plum, liquorice and dark raspberry are trailed by whiffs of dark chocolate, spicy vanillin cedar and peppered dried herb notes. Nicely fleshed, the medium bodied palate features dark plum, liquorice, blueberry and dark raspberry fruits over vanillin cedar, subtle earthy dark chocolate and spicy dried herb characters. Supple and refined in it’s feel with polished tannins and a long savoury blue to dark fruited finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14%

Other Reviews….
This is wonderfully fragrant, with attractive notes of olive, mulberry and peppercorn. It’s juicy, medium- to full-bodied and very bright, with fine-grained tannins and a lively finish. 74% syrah, 11% grenache, 8% cabernet sauvignon, 6% cinsault and 1% viognier. Delicious already. Drink now.
92 Points
JamesSuckling.com