The Chocolate Block Boekenhoutskloof 2022

The Chocolate Block Boekenhoutskloof, Swartland, South Africa, 2022 

Grapes: Syrah (77%), Grenache (9%), Cinsault (8%), Cabernet Sauvignon (5%), Viognier (1%) matured in mostly seasoned oak for 12-14 months. Only the Cabernet variety sees new French oak. After 10 years, the Porseleinberg and Goldmine farms now represent about 60% of the fruit in the final blend. Sustainable viticulture. Winemaker Marc Kent.

Producer's Tasting Note: 

Boysenberry and dark cherry dominate an inviting nose, with gentle scents of violets and rose petals and intriguing whiffs of exotic spice. The brambly black and red fruits of the nose follow through with flavours of ripe plums, black currant, dried cranberries and blueberries. Slight hints of cured meat and espresso add complexity to the round, silky mid-palate. The mouth-coating texture of dark milk chocolate is balanced with fine, powdery tannins and fresh yet integrated acidity. The wine is medium-bodied, lithe, and elegant with licorice and subtle hints of crushed coriander and black cardamom lingering on a smooth, soft finish.

This vintage showed lower-than-average yields with fruit that was perfumed, aromatic and elegant with balanced tannins

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Very deep purple. Tender touch on the nose with polished Syrah to the fore. As usual, this caresses and flatters the palate. Seems expensive to someone who remembers it at half the price but I think anyone would enjoy it and RS is under 3 g/l now." Drink 2023-2027

16.5/20 points, Jancis Robinson, JancisRobinson.com, November 2023

"A skilfully blended and packaged wine that manages to shift large volumes at an extremely profitable price, The Chocolate Block is a clever assemblage of mostly Syrah from the Goldmine and Porseleinberg vineyards with 9% Grenache, 8% Cinsault, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Viognier. Fleshy, perfumed and smooth, it has sweet goji berry and summer pudding fruit, velvety tannins, scented cinnamon oak and a fresh, lifted finish." Drink 2024-2029

93/100 points by Tim Atkin MW, September 2023

Also awarded 4½ Stars (93 points) in the John Platter Wine Guide