Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block

Description

Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block has become a modern legend of South African wine. It is a multi-varietal blend made by Boekenhoutskloof in the Swartland wine growing region of South Africa. The blend changes with each vintages, depending on conditions, but it is always Syrah based.

Marc Kent is the driving force behind the various brands and properties within the Boekenhoutskloof stable.  As well as producing wines under the Boekenhoutskloof and The Chocolate Block labels, they also produce The Wolftrap and Porcupine Ridge wines. The original estate dates back to 1776 and it is located in the Franschhoek Valley. The grapes for The Chocolate Block are sourced from Swartland and it is bottled as a Wine of Origin Swartland. The Swartland vineyards are renowned for its slate and granitic soils, creating tension and vibrancy in the wine.

The 2017 Chocolate Block is a blend of 64% Syrah, 14% Grenache, 11% Cinsault, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Viognier. Due to the ongoing drought conditions, yields were again much lower, resulting in higher berry concentration and healthy grapes. The increased volume of both Grenache and Cinsault in the 2017 vintage blend certainly enhances the flavour profile significantly, with Grenache contributing exceptional fruit purity and Cinsault lending floral and ripe strawberry notes. Syrah remains the structural  backbone. The Grenache was matured in 600L barrels to retain its unmistakable fruity aromas and a pronounced freshness. The wine matures in 1st (all of the Cabernet Sauvignon), 2nd and 3rd fill French oak barrels as well as 2500L French oak foudres for 12 months before it undergoes a light egg-white fining and filtration. Number of barrels produced: 2057

Also available in 1.5 litre magnums.