The Chocolate Block 2017

Crowd favourite.

The Chocolate Block from Boekenhoutskloof, always a supremely reliable red blend, seems to have gone to the next level with the 2017 vintage. Total production amounting to 2 057 barrels according to the front label, the wine sells for R219.99 a bottle from that upmarket retailer whose name starts with a “W”.

A blend of 64% Syrah, 14% Grenache, 11% Cinsault, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Viognier, the nose shows dark berries, black olive, earth and spice with notes of lavender and peach plus a touch of reduction in the background. The palate, meanwhile, is luscious – generous fruit and very fine, powdery tannins – not unlike high-cocoa chocolate in texture. It’s a very well thought out offering sure to please plenty of punters.

Editor’s rating: 93/100.

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