The phenomenon
The Chocolate Block 2023 - Boekenhoutskloof
91Robert Parker
Bottle Size
Vintage
Special Packaging
CHF74.95
CHF5.00/10cl
21.05.2026
3% quantity discount for orders over 24 bottles
About the wine
French immigrants brought viticulture to Franschhoek, Western Cape, in the 17th century. The Chocolate Block is a prime example of the “Châteauneuf-du-Cap”, as the region on the Western Cape is also often called. Is it because of the chocolate aromas that made this wine a phenomenon?
Robert Parker: 91/100
James Suckling: 92/100
Item no. 1212518
James Suckling: 92/100
Item no. 1212518
Tasting note
Boysenberry and dark cherry dominate the inviting bouquet, with soft scents of violets and rose petals and a touch of exotic spices. The full-bodied black and red fruits of the bouquet continue with aromas of ripe plums, blackcurrants, dried cranberries and blueberries. Light hints of cured meat and espresso add complexity to the round, silky center palate. The delicious texture of milk chocolate is balanced by fine, powdery tannins and a fresh, integrated acidity. The wine is medium-bodied, supple and elegant with licorice and subtle notes of crushed coriander and black cardamom, lingering on a smooth, soft finish.
Culinary recommendation
It goes very well with meat dishes of all kinds or even with spicy curry dishes.
Vinification
Chocolate Block 2023 is our 21st vintage of this iconic wine and the first to use our new OXOLINE system in the renovated aging cellar of the Helderberg winery. The cold winter led to a slow start to the 2022 growing season with shoots 2-3 weeks later. This delay continued during the late ripening period. Frequent rain showers created lush foliage that protected the grapes from sporadic sunburn during hot December and heat peaks in January. The yield of this vintage was below average, the fruits were scented, aromatic and elegant with balanced tannins. The grapes are fermented as whole berries in a combination of concrete and stainless steel tanks. After spontaneous fermentation, we transferred the wine into used (95%) French barriques and 5% (for Cabernet Sauvignon) into new French barriques. Depending on the grape variety, the maturation was between 12-14 months.
More information
Allergy information: Contains sulfites
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