BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF THE CHOCOLATE BLOCK 2022
UNUSUAL, LIMITED & POPULAR
Winemaker Marc Kent, a well-known Syrah specialist, produces one of the best wines in South Africa with his red wine "The Chocolate Block." Originally, the Cuvée is made in the French style after the model of the northern Rhône. However, the wine brings with it the typical local fruitiness and fullness.
However, too many bottles of this outstanding wine are not available. Because Boekenhoutskloof obtains its wine from limited grapevines from various vineyards that are managed with significantly reduced yields.
Origin of The Chocolate Blocks
The Syrah comes from the Winery in the hot and dry Malmesbury in Swartland, north of Cape Town. The grape variety is one of the oldest of its kind in South Africa.
The Cinsaut has its origin from old Bush Vines from Wellington. The grape varieties Cabernet Sauvignon & Viognier are harvested by the winery in Franschhoek in a very gentle manner. Each of the grape varieties contributes its share to the special fascination of The Chocolate Block wine.
The composition of this wine is optimized from vintage to vintage to best reflect the climate and the old, characterful vines that are an essential part of the charm and personality of the wine.
The Chocolate Block Flavor Profile
The 2020 vintage was preceded by a very dry growing season, which led to a record low yield. This resulted in smaller, more concentrated berries. These circumstances were encouraging for the production of wines with great complexity. In Swartland, moderate temperatures prevailed in December 2020 and January 2020. The harvest window for The Chocolate Block was a period of only two weeks. According to initial reports, 2022 is another good vintage for Syrah with pronounced aromas of black fruits and a classic nuance of black olives.
The predominant variety Syrah (71%) shows a beautiful ink color in the glass. The Grenache vineyards are well established, and this variety is undoubtedly the bright, fragrant star of the blend, reminiscent of an old Châteauneuf-du-Pape-like charm.
The old grape variety Cinsaut remains an undisclosed gem that effortlessly holds the wine together and establishes a refined elegance.
Cabernet Sauvignon is essential with only eight percent to give the cuvée structure and grip.
Expansion: The Chocolate Block
The grape varieties Syrah and Cinsault matured in a combination of 2,500-liter barrels made of French oak and barrique barrels. The Grenache was aged in 600-liter barrels. Cabernet Sauvignon is the only component of the cuvée that was matured in new barriques made of French oak. The aging period ranged from 13 to 16 months, depending on the component and vineyard parcel. 2414 barrique barrels were selected for the 2019 vintage.
The Chocolate Block in the Glass
"The Chocolate Block" presents itself in a deep ruby red with violet reflections and an almost black garnet-like flavor. The wine displays aromas of red berries, dark fruit compote, and violets. On the palate, the wine tastes of red and black berries. The finish is long-lasting, tastes very good, and reminds one of dark nut chocolate.
A must for every wine lover!
