Chocolate Block Wine
The Chocolate Block is a wine created by Boekenhoutskloof, a South African winery including Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Semilon and Viogner. The Chocolate Block’s first vintage was produced in 2002 and was released in 2003 in Swartland. It is a smooth red wine that is highly reputable, with the team at Boekenhoutskloof working hard to ensure quality on every level and every detail.
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Chocolate Block Wine
The Chocolate block is a staple in the Boekenhoutskloof selection, producing multiple different batches throughout the years with different characteristics; here, we will look at some of the different iterations.
The 2020 iteration of the Chocolate Block is a standout wine. A harmonious blend of 74% Syrah, 10% Grenache, 8% Cinsault, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Viognier from the Swartland vineyards, it offers a unique drinking experience. Its deep purple hue and silky-smooth texture enhance the flavour and moderate acidity. The taste is full-bodied and rich, with fruity notes of berries and dark chocolate that permeate the aromas. The nose is filled with exceptional aromas of black fruits, currants, berries, liquorice, white pepper and cocoa.
The 2022 version features similar intense aromas as the 2020 iteration with notes of chocolate and mocha, interwoven with the sweetness of ripe blackberries and black pepper. The palate offers a similar full-bodied character with balanced, smooth and polished tannins. This wine offers slightly different varieties with 71% Syrah, 11% Garnacha Tinta, 9% Cinsault, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Viognier.
Chocolate Block Heritage
Boekenhoutskloof is the producer of Chocolate Block wine; Boekenhoutskloof was established in 1776 in Franschhoek. The farm’s name means ‘ravine of the Boekenhout’. Boekenhout is an Indigenous Cape beech tree well known for crafting furniture.
In 1993, the farm and homestead were restored, and a completely new vineyard planting programme was created, including the likes of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. As a producer, Boekenhoutskloof is known as a Syrah expert and specialist, with the ranges selling out on release at every vintage. The Chocolate Block is probably the most successful wine to come out of South Africa in the modern era, and it is immensely popular.
Known as the wine with secrets to keep, the quest to understand the name is now the stuff of legend. The Chocolate Block is a reflection of their belief that the cape, with the Mediterranean climate, is well suited to blended reds. The make-up of the wine is tweaked from vintage to vintage to ensure the best reflection of the season and the ancient vines of great character that are a huge part of the wine’s charm and personality.