Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block 2022

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Boekenhoutskloof
Label Name:
 
Chocolate Block
Vintage:
 
2022
Country:
 
South Africa
Region:
 
Swartland, Western Cape
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14.5%
Grape(s):
 
Syrah 77%, Grenache 9%, Cinsault 8%, Cabernet Sauvignon 5%, Viognier 1%
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
3
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
James Suckling 91; Vinous (Neal Martin) 90; Jancis Robinson 16. 5/20; Neal Martin 90/100; multiple retailer reviews noting 2022 as a strong vintage

Tasting Note
Brambly black and blue fruit, violet and bay leaf aromas with mocha, pepper and graphite notes. Medium–full, supple palate with powdery tannins, fresh herbaceous lift and a long peppery, graphite-tinged finish.

Food Pairing
Roast lamb, beef short ribs, venison, mushroom risotto, aged cheddar; Asian: Korean BBQ (bulgogi), char siu, Peking duck, spicy Sichuan beef, lamb curries.

Production Method
Whole-berry fermentation; matured 12–18 months mainly in used French oak (≈95%) with only Cabernet in new oak; OXOline barrel-rotation system used; minimal intervention.

Vineyard Info
Boekenhoutskloof (est. 1776, relaunched 1990s) led by Marc Kent; sources fruit from Swartland (Porseleinberg, Goldmine) and Western Cape sites; iconic Syrah-based blended label first released 2002.