Boekenhoutskloof - Swartland The Chocolate Block 2023

Decanter

About wine:

This great South African red blend never disappoints. The 2023 vintage is composed of 74% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cinsault, and 1% Viognier, with 70% of the fruit coming from Boekenhoutskloof's Porseleinberg and Goldmine estates in the Swartland. Savory aromas of crisp bacon and an ashy note of dried herbs accompany bright black and blue fruits, with a fragrant hint of red cherry. The palate is very satisfying, with savory yet silky black fruits, notes of red licorice and blackberry, all supported by supple tannins. Full-bodied yet elegant, with lively acidity adding freshness. The long finish is punctuated by black spices and cherry. Aged in French oak barrels for 12 to 14 months; 4,043 barrels produced. 2025-2034

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About wine:

With a production of 1.2 million bottles, Boekenhoutskloof 2023 Swartland The Chocolate Block is one of the most popular wines in South African restaurants and stores. The blend is composed of 74% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cinsault, and 1% co-fermented Viognier. Eighty percent of the grapes are grown by the in-house team. No new oak is used, except for the Cabernet Sauvignon, with the rest being aged in neutral barrels. Owner Marc Kent says the wine is in the process of obtaining organic certification. He believes that people underestimate the influence of Cinsault. It softens the harshness of the other grape varieties and, when combined with Grenache, creates a more fragrant wine. The Chocolate Block is the winery's own brand, offering a fruity, accessible, and easy-to-pair red wine with a medium-bodied texture and pleasant sweetness. 2024-2030

Jancis Robinson

About wine:

Now, all of Swartland! This blend traces the recent history of red wine fashion. Pure, fresh, and beautifully balanced, it is no longer as affordable as it once was. It is now a luxury wine, which is somewhat misleading given its name! 2025-2030

Vinous

About wine:

The 2023 The Chocolate Block, arguably Cape Town's most successful brand in terms of quantity and quality, is a blend of 70% fruit from the estate (mainly from Porseleinberg) and 30% from partner vineyards located on reddish soils that have been producing fruit for 15 to 20 years. It was aged for 12 to 14 months in 95% used barrels. Fruit picked after the rains was not included in the blend. The 2023 has a fresh nose with aromas of redcurrant and pomegranate, earthy notes, and a hint of tea leaf. The palate is medium-bodied, with crisp red fruit and lovely fresh, vibrant acidity, with brown spices and black pepper on the finish. According to the label, the total production of this vintage is 4,043 barrels. Producing a cuvée of this scale with such a high level of quality is a real feat. Cape Winelands could not dream of a better ambassador. 2024-2034

James Suckling

About wine:

This wine is wonderfully fragrant, with seductive notes of olive, blackberry, and pepper. It is juicy, medium-bodied to full-bodied, very lively, with fine tannins and a lively finish. 74% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cinsault, and 1% Viognier. Already delicious. Drink now.