2010 BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF CHOCOLATE BLOCK "A blend of 67% Syrah, 14% Grenache, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cinsault and 2% Viognier, the 2009 The Chocolate Block has a rustic, earthy bouquet with a touch of saddle-leather and Provencal herbs. The palate is smooth and rounded on the entry and is armed with crisp acidity to cut through that plush dark berried fruit interlaced with rosemary, white fennel and white pepper. Very svelte and harmonious towards the slightly oaky finish and demonstrating good length, The Chocolate Block is a well-crafted Rhone(ish) blend from Mark Kent and his team. Drink now-2015." Robert Parker 90 points (2009 vintage)

Review

An expressive nose with intense dark cherry spiced raspberry, black fruit and violet-infused perfume. With time another dimension of rusticity and fleshiness is revealed with underlying earthy notes. The palate is firmly structured, yet elegant, with supple tannins and spicy oak aromas covering a rounded mid-palate that reveals purity of fruit and a lifted freshness. Classically styled with integrated tannins and balanced acidity to ensure a long, succulent and textured finish.

Wine maker notes

By blending the best components to create a wine that is true in character and consistent in quality we were rewarded with the 2009 Syrah/Viognier. The uber-ripe Viognier were blended to the Shiraz to add perfume to the spice. After the Syrah spent nine months in French oak it was racked, blended and bottled. Grapes were sourced from Malmesbury in the Swartland.