2024 Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block

A medium to full bodied blend layered with rich, succulent fruit finishing long and refined.

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 2024 Chocolate Block is a blend of 73% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% 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.
Midnight black core with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Pronounced blackberry and liquorice aromas are complimented by a whiff of blueberry followed by some earthy dark chocolate, vanillin cedar and subtle spicy apricot notes. Rich succulent blackberry and liquorice fruits drive the medium to full bodied palate with notions of ripe blueberry, dark plum, vanillin cedar, subtle earthy dark chocolate and spicy dried herbs detailed across the back half. Polished fine grained tannins with a long sumptuous yet refined finish.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14%

Other Reviews...
The Boekenhoutskloof 2024 Swartland The Chocolate Block, a blend of 73% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cinsault and 1% Viognier, may not aim for intellectual nuance, but it more than compensates with pure, comforting charm, like a big, shaggy dog asleep by the fireplace. Medium- to full-bodied, it delivers generous black fruit and bold cherry flavors with a smooth, reassuring texture, offering plenty of pleasure. Conceived by vintner Marc Kent as an accessible, crowd-pleasing expression of Swartland fruit, the wine reflects Boekenhoutskloof’s belief that serious craftsmanship and broad appeal need not be mutually exclusive. Production is substantial, with 3,741 barrels made, translating to just over 1.1 million bottles, making it an ideal choice for a long wooden table at a steakhouse surrounded by friends and shared plates. Drink 2026-2032.
92 Points
Monica Larner - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

This creamy, medium-bodied red has aromas of dark cherries, blueberries, cracked pepper and thyme. It’s juicy and smoothly integrated with tasty savory undertones to the dark fruit. Drink now.
92 Points
Claire Nesbitt - JamesSuckling.com