The Chocolate Block (gift box)

Tasting Note The Chocolate Block (Gift Box)

Exceptionally perfumed on the nose. An abundance of red and dark berries, violets, and intense white pepper. And then that explosion of flavour in your mouth. All layers: from soft, ripe fruit and spices like cardamom, cumin, and clove, to black peppercorns. Concentrated, structured, and balanced. With fine acidity, tannins reminiscent of cocoa powder, and a cedarwood character. Ending in a long, sultry finish. A surprising powerhouse from South Africa. Deep red colour.

Wine & Food

This internationally beloved red wine is powerful and a true evening wine. Delicious with dinner alongside grilled meat, beef stews, or a cheese board as a finale or later in the evening by the fireplace. Of course, the great favourite remains a classic South African 'braai'. Also an ideal wine to give as a gift.

Additional Information

The Chocolate Block is one of the most Googled wines in the world. This undoubtedly has to do with its unusual name. The winemaker is very mysterious about the origin of the wine, which makes it even more exciting.

Boekenhoutskloof is a high-profile winery in Franschhoek - South Africa, which is particularly impressive in terms of quality. Despite its somewhat unusual African name for 'French' Franschhoek, Boekenhoutskloof was founded three centuries ago by French Huguenots.

The current winemaker Marc Kent still has a connection with France. He visits at least once a year to seek new inspiration in the northern Rhône, Cornas.

The Chocolate Block is a completely unique wine within Boekenhoutskloof. It originated from the project to discover the potential of new plots. The primary goal is to produce a world-class wine. The grapes come from plots located in different areas.

The Grenache grape comes from very old vines (the oldest vines in South Africa) growing on sandy soil. This ensures perfect ripening of the grapes. The Cinsault grape comes from granite soils. Ultimately, the different grapes are brought together for a unique blend where Syrah is the main grape. This combination creates a delicious Chocolate Block wine.

This blend consists of 55% Syrah, 20% Grenache Noir, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cinsault, and 4% Viognier grapes. The precise composition of the wine changes annually, but the most important component in the blend is always Syrah. Complemented with Cabernet Sauvignon and the Rhône grapes Grenache, Cinsault, and sometimes even the white Viognier. It is dark and robust with an association of cocoa, hence the name.

The Grenache ripens in 600-litre barrels, all other grape varieties in French oak barrels, as well as two 500-litre French oak foudres. The wood ageing lasts a total of 12 months. Finally, this wine undergoes a light egg white fining and filtration.

The grapevines for this wine grow as 'bush-vine'. This means that the top is pruned, and no trellis system is used. Many of the world's oldest grapevines are maintained in this way.

Also available in gift packaging

Awards/Distinctions

Wine expert Tim Atkin gave the 2021 vintage a score of 93 out of 100. You can drink it now, but you can certainly keep it for another 8 years. On the other hand: why would you?