The Chocolate Block 2023 Magnum
The Chocolate Block 2023 Magnum
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Boekenhoutskloof — The Chocolate Block 2023 Magnum
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Weingut Boekenhoutskloof
Boekenhoutskloof was founded in 1776 and is therefore one of the oldest wineries in South Africa. The name comes from the farthest corner of the beautiful Franschhoek Valley and means "Gorge of the Boekenhout" (pronounced: Book-n-Howed). Boekenhout is a native Cape Beech highly valued for furniture making. In 1993, the winery was sold to introduce a new vineyard planting program, which now includes Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Semillon, and Viognier.
BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF THE CHOCOLATE BLOCK Exceptional, Limited & Popular Winemaker Marc Kent produces, as a renowned Syrah specialist, one of South Africa’s finest wines with his red wine "The Chocolate Block". Originally the cuvée in the French style follows the model of the northern Rhône. However, the wine brings the typical local fruitiness and richness.
Not many bottles of this outstanding wine are available. Boekenhoutskloof sources its wine from limited vine stocks across several vineyards that are farmed with heavily reduced yields.
Origin of The Chocolate Block The Syrah comes to the Winery from the hot and dry Malmesbury in the Swartland, north of Cape Town. The variety is one of the oldest of its kind in South Africa.
The Cinsaut, in turn, has its origin in old bush vines from Wellington. The varieties Cabernet Sauvignon & Viognier are harvested by the winery in Franschhoek itself using very gentle methods. Each of the varieties contributes 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 make up a significant part of the wine’s charm and personality.
The Chocolate Block — Tasting 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 conditions were encouraging for producing wines of great complexity. In the Swartland, December 2020 and January 2020 saw moderate temperatures. The harvest window for The Chocolate Block was just two weeks. Early reports indicate that 2022 is another good vintage for Syrah, with pronounced aromas of black fruit and a classic note of black olives.
The dominant variety Syrah (71%) shows a beautiful inky color in the glass. The Grenache vineyards are well established, and this variety is undoubtedly the bright, fragrant star of the blend, evoking an old Châteauneuf-du-Pape-like charm.
The old variety Cinsaut remains an unsung gem that effortlessly holds the wine together and establishes a refined elegance.
Cabernet Sauvignon is essential at just eight percent, giving the cuvée structure and grip.
Aged: The Chocolate Block The varieties Syrah and Cinsault matured in a combination of 2,500-liter casks 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 aged in new barriques of French oak. The maturation time was between 13 and 16 months, depending on the component and the vineyard parcel. 2414 barrique barrels were selected for the 2019 vintage.
The Chocolate Block in the Glass The "The Chocolate Block" presents itself in a deep ruby red with violet reflections and an almost black, garnet-centered core. The wine shows 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, very pleasing, and reminiscent of dark nut chocolate.
A must for every wine lover!
Grape Variety
Chenin Blanc is a widely cultivated, old white wine grape variety that has been grown in France (in Anjou – Touraine) since the 9th century. Compared to other white wine grape varieties, this variety is very productive. This leads to a very high quality of the white wine when reduced on the vine.
In South Africa, Chenin Blanc is the most widely grown white wine grape variety. The reason for this is primarily the very high diversity. For example, there are "wild-growing" vines (so-called Bush Vines) that are usually not irrigated. For this reason, the vines penetrate very deep into the ground with their roots to reach water. These Chenin Blancs therefore have a stronger depth and complexity.
The grape variety can also be aged very fresh and fruity in stainless steel tanks, developing into a very nice summer wine. Through the Aged in oak barrels, one obtains very complex and full-bodied white wines. The aromas of Chenin Blanc wines range from peach, apricot, and tropical fruits to honey and melon.