The Chocolate Block Magnum, Boekenhoutskloof, 1.5L, 2021

The Chocolate Block Magnum (1.5L) by Boekenhoutskloof is a wine with secrets to keep. We don’t know where the name originates. However, the quest to understand the name and the wine itself is now the stuff of legend. Boekenhoutskloof believes that the Cape’s Mediterranean climate makes it eminently suited to blended reds. This wine reflects that belief.

Tasting Note

You will notice intense blackberry, bramble, and lavender aromas with gentle nuances of potting soil and cured meat dominating a dark and brooding nose. The abundance of perfume and the earthy character of the nose follow through generously onto a powerful palate, with a lush compote of blueberries, ripe plums, black currants & cherries. You will find cacao-powdery tannins abundant, adding texture and complexity to an almost savoury mid-palate, seamlessly complementing the vivid dark fruits, alcohol and acidity. This robust and structured wine is delicate, poised and elegant at the same time. Black fruits, cumin spice, white pepper, liquorice and hints of garrigue persist on a velvety finish.

Creating The Chocolate Block

The 2021 Chocolate Block blends of 74% Syrah, 10% Grenache, 8% Cinsault, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Viognier. Although the 2021 vintage is somewhat riper, it shows lower alcohol and good natural acidity, which will develop very well for years to come. They matured Syrah and Cinsault in a combination of seasoned 2,500L French oak foudres and barriques, while they matured Grenache in seasoned 600L demi-muids. Cabernet Sauvignon was the only component that they aged in new French oak barriques. The elevage ranged between 12-14 months, depending on component and vineyard parcel. In total, they selected 3349 barriques for the 2021 vintage.

The Chocolate Block Vinification

The Chocolate Block Magnum (1.5L) 2021 marks the 20th vintage of this iconic wine. This vintage will be remembered for offering moderate weather conditions throughout, extending into the onset of flowering and even into November, where a decent amount of rainfall occurred. This positively affected optimal flowering and fruit set. Consequently, the cooler growing season benefited a slow and extended ripening period, resulting in excellent grape quality. The first grapes were picked slightly later than usual, in what became the lengthiest harvest to date. The 2021 wines display a beautiful, restrained elegance due to the extended hang times and mild growing season.

Also available in 75cl: You can get The Chocolate Block for only £20.99!