Reviews & Ratings

2020 Boekenhoutskloof South African (Red Blend) "The Chocolate Block"

Winery: Boekenhoutskloof

Vintage: 2020

Wine Name/Vineyard: "The Chocolate Block"

Wine Category: South African (Red Blend)

Grape blend: 73% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 8% Cinsault, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon & 1% Viognier

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Swartland

State or country: South Africa

Price: $40

Cases produced: 10,545

KWG Score: 91 (based on 3 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (92)

Review date: August 29, 2022

Wine Review: This slightly opaque and very dark ruby colored blend from South Africa opens with a cardamom and black raspberry bouquet with hints of smoked meat, red bell pepper, and oak. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied with integrated medium acidity. The flavor profile is a graphite and blackberry blend with notes of smoked meat, oak, and anise. I also detected hints of espresso and spices. The finish is dry, and its flavors and dusty tannins linger and last for a while. I would pair this Syrah based blend with smoked brisket or burnt ends. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: The nose is dark, intense, and brooding with aromas of black cherries, cardamom, sweet tobacco, espresso, and subtle whiffs of perfume. The nose's dark fruit character follows through onto an exceptionally complex, juicy palate with gentle nuances of ripe plums, violets, black olives, cloves, and licorice. The mid-palate is focused, supple, and elegant with excellent, cocoa powdery tannins. The wine is medium bodied, balanced with an earthy, layered character, covering the entire spectrum of berry fruit - from tart red plums to rich blue and blackberries. The finish is svelte, clean, and dry, peppery, and lingering, with hints of dried cranberry, tar, graphite, and smoke.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell 2020 The Chocolate Block.