The 2022 Boekenhoutskloof, The Chocolate Block South Africa was a Merchant's Pick
STUNNING South African Proprietary Red!
June 24, 2024
The Chocolate Blocks is a stunning blend of Syrah 77%, Grenache 9% Cinsault 8%, Cabernet Sauvignon 5%, and Viognier 1%. Yes, you're reading that correctly. This South African stunner has five carefully selected red grapes and a dash of white to anchor the fruit and give a bit of delicious structure.
Every year, The Chocolate Block blend is slightly different. The winery carefully selects the best fruit - we can't reveal from where - to reflect the quality of the harvest.
The selection process is thorough, which is why The Chocolate Block is such a crowd-pleaser. This is the 21st release of this wine; if you haven't had it, now is the vintage to grab some!
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 flavors of ripe plums, black currant, dried cranberries and blueberries. The mouth-coating texture has a hint of dark chocolate notes alongside fine, powdery tannins and fresh, integrated acidity.
South Africa Has Many Nice Reds - None As Compelling As The Chocolate Block
In the $50 and under category, The Chocolate Block rivals the best of California and France. Each grape varietal leaves its fingerprint on your tasting experience.
The Syrah offers silky fruit with a hint of spice; the Grenache adds a bit of plushness; the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cinsault add texture, grip, and acidity. A tiny bit of Viognier seamlessly adds to the aromatics, creating something unique that the wine-producing world is constantly trying to achieve.
Burgers anyone?
Not much is produced.
It is an ideal red for the wide variety of cuisine you can create on your barbecue.
Be sure to grab yours.