Reviews & Ratings

2017 Boekenhoutskloof South African (Red Blend) "The Chocolate Block"

Winery: Boekenhoutskloof

Vintage: 2017

Wine Name/Vineyard: "The Chocolate Block"

Wine Category: South African (Red Blend)

Grape blend: 64% Syrah, 14% Grenache, 11% Cinsault, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon & 1% Viognier

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Swartland

State or country: South Africa

Price: $38

Cases produced: 51,316

KWG Score: 91.4 (based on 5 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (93)

Review date: January 27, 2020

Wine Review: This dark ruby colored blend from South Africa is very impressive. It opens with a funky old wood, green pepper, dark chocolate and black cherry bouquet. On the palate, this wine is full bodied, balanced and round. The flavor profile is a blend of black cherry, cedar and coffee with notes of smoked meat and cocoa. The finish is rather dry and its moderate dusty tannins are very sticky. This South African red blend would pair well with Brazilian fire roasted beef alcatra. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: The nose offers a brooding compote of dark fruit with an abundance of perfume and savory whiffs of cured meat, black olives and cigar box. The palate shows red and dark berry fruit with flavors of ripe, red plums, blueberries, black cherries and tar evident on the mid-palate. The violets and spice of the nose follows through with a vibrant acidity and smooth, fleshy texture. Blackberries and licorice linger in the mouth with hints of dark chocolate and sweet tobacco.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell 2017 The Chocolate Block.