Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block

The Chocolate Block is the most famous wine from Boekenhoutskloof – a cuvée that shows what the Swartland and the Cederberg foothills have in terms of red wine potential.

The grapes come from two very different sites: Syrah and Grenache from the hot, dry Malmesbury in the Swartland north of Cape Town, as well as Grenache from the oldest vines of this variety in all of South Africa – old vines on sandy soils in Citrusdal. Boekenhoutskloof was founded in 1776 and is today one of the defining estates of the South African wine scene. The cuvée typically combines Syrah as the main grape variety with Grenache, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Viognier.

In the glass: dark blackberry and black plum, plus cocoa, clove, and a hint of violet. The palate is full-bodied with velvety tannins, a ripe but present structure, and a long, spicy finish with dark chocolate and pepper. The name says it all.

Drinking recommendation: Goes well with braised rack of lamb, beef brisket with herb crust, or strong hard cheese. Serving temperature 17–18 °C.