Boekenhoutskloof - Swartland The Chocolate Block 2023

Decanter

About the 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 grapes sourced from Boekenhoutskloof’s Porseleinberg and Goldmine estates in the Swartland. Savory aromas of crispy bacon and an ashy note of dried herbs accompany vibrant 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 that adds 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 the wine:

With a production of 1.2 million bottles, the Boekenhoutskloof 2023 Swartland The Chocolate Block is one of the most popular wines in restaurants and stores across South Africa. The blend consists of 74% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cinsault, and 1% co-fermented Viognier. Eighty percent of the grapes are grown by the estate’s own team. No new oak is used, except for the Cabernet Sauvignon; the rest is aged in neutral barrels. Owner Marc Kent says the wine is in the process of obtaining organic certification. In his view, people underestimate the influence of Cinsault. It softens the harshness of the other grape varieties and, when paired with Grenache, creates a more aromatic wine. The Chocolate Block is the winery’s own brand, offering a fruity, approachable, and easy-to-pair red wine with a medium-bodied texture and a pleasant smoothness. 2024–2030

Jancis Robinson

About the wine:

Now, the whole of Swartland! This blend reflects the recent history of red wine trends. Pure, fresh, and beautifully balanced, it is, however, no longer as affordable as it once was. It is now a luxury wine—though that name doesn’t quite do it justice! 2025–2030

Vinous

About the wine:

The 2023 The Chocolate Block, undoubtedly Cape Town’s most successful brand in terms of both quantity and quality, is a blend composed of 70% grapes from the estate (primarily from Porseleinberg) and 30% from partner vineyards located on reddish soils that have been supplying grapes for 15 to 20 years. It was aged for 12 to 14 months in barrels that were 95% used. Grapes harvested after the rains were not included in the blend. The 2023 has a fresh nose with aromas of red currant and pomegranate, earthy notes, and a hint of tea leaf. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, with crisp red fruit and lovely acidity—fresh and vibrant—with dark spices and black pepper on the finish. According to the label, total production for this vintage amounts to 4,043 barrels. Producing a cuvée of this scale with such a high level of quality is a true feat. Le Cap couldn’t ask for a better ambassador. 2024–2034

James Suckling

About the wine:

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