The Chocolate Block 2023 Magnum
The Chocolate Block 2023 Magnum
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BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF THE CHOCOLATE BLOCK EXCEPTIONAL, LIMITED & POPULAR Renowned Syrah specialist Marc Kent produces one of South Africa’s finest wines with his red wine, "The Chocolate Block". Originally, this French-style blend was inspired by the northern Rhône. However, the wine also showcases the characteristic local fruitiness and richness.
However, not many bottles of this outstanding wine are available. Boekenhoutskloof makes its wine from limited vineyard plots across several vineyards, which are farmed with greatly reduced yields.
The origins of The Chocolate Block The winery sources its Syrah from hot and dry Malmesbury in the Swartland, north of Cape Town. This grape variety is one of the oldest of its kind in South Africa.
The Cinsaut, in turn, comes from old bush vines in Wellington. The winery harvests the Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier in Franschhoek, taking great care in the process. Each grape variety contributes to the unique appeal of The Chocolate Block.
The blend is refined with each vintage to best reflect the climate and the old, characterful vines, which contribute significantly to the wine’s charm and personality.
The Chocolate Block tasting profile The 2020 vintage followed a very dry growing season, resulting in a record low yield and smaller, more concentrated berries. These conditions were promising for producing wines with great complexity. Temperatures in the Swartland were moderate in December 2020 and January 2020. The harvest window for The Chocolate Block lasted just two weeks. According to the first reports, 2022 was another good vintage for Syrah, with pronounced black fruit aromas and a classic hint of black olive.
The dominant variety, Syrah (71%), shows a beautiful inky colour in the glass. The Grenache vineyards are well established, and this variety is undoubtedly the bright, fragrant star of the blend, evoking the old-world charm of a Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
The old Cinsaut grape variety remains an unsung gem, effortlessly holding the wine together and lending it refined elegance.
Cabernet Sauvignon, though making up just eight percent of the blend, is essential for adding structure and grip.
Aged: The Chocolate Block The Syrah and Cinsault grapes were aged in a combination of 2,500-litre barrels made from French oak and barriques. The Grenache was aged in 600-litre barrels. Cabernet Sauvignon is the only component of the blend aged in new French oak barriques. The ageing period ranged from 13 to 16 months, depending on the component and vineyard parcel. 2,414 barriques were selected for the 2019 vintage.
The Chocolate Block in the glass "The Chocolate Block" displays a deep ruby-red colour with violet hues and an almost black, garnet-rich core. The wine shows aromas of red berries, dark fruit compote and violets. On the palate, it tastes of red and black berries. The finish is long, delicious and reminiscent of dark hazelnut chocolate.
A must for every wine lover!
