The Chocolate Block | Half Bottle
The legendary Chocolate Block style is a reflection of the belief that the Cape, with its Mediterranean climate, is eminently suited to blended reds. The make-up of the wine is tweaked from vintage to vintage to best reflect the season and the ancient vines of great character that are an integral part of the wine’s charm and personality. The Chocolate Block 2020 relied vastly on Boekenhoutskloof's own fruit from the Porseleinberg and Goldmine farms, which in turn, had an immense effect on the flavour and energy of this unique wine. Porseleinberg offers purity of fruit where Goldmine brings structure. The vineyards on these two stellar properties have become well-established and are beginning to show their potential. Syrah is the predominant variety on both farms and accounts for a 73% contribution to the blend. Grenache (11%) from bush-vines on Porseleinberg is the subtle superstar of the blend that offers a perfumy brightness and allows the wine to deliver a gastronomic texture. The moderate conditions were a welcome relief for Swartland Cabernet Sauvignon (7%). The cooler, balanced growing season was particularly beneficial in providing a more elegant, old-world style of the variety. The nose is dark and brooding and entices with its black fruit aromas and hints of pepper and spice. The blueberry and blackberry of the nose follow through onto a layered, full palate with flavours of dark plums and notes of dust, graphite and cocoa nib. The wine is focused and elegant, with fresh yet integrated acidity and fine-grained tannins, adding to exceptional structure. Black currant and milk chocolate linger on a silky finish.
