Who makes it?

The Chocolate Block is one of the wines that Boekenhoutskloof produces. Incidentally, Boekenhoutskloof is itself a very well known wine brand from Franschhoek, South Africa.

It was established in 1993 by a group of partners, one of which was Marc Kent who is very involved in its success. It is particularly renowned for its old vine Semillon sourced from local growers with vines up to 110 + years old. 

The Chocolate Block is sourced from Boekenhoutskloof’s own vineyards around the Porseleinberg and Goldmine estates. 

How do they make it?

Boekenhootskloof The Chocolate Block is a red blend. The 2023 vintage contains Syrah (74%), Grenache (11%), Cinsault (6%) Cabernet Sauvignon (8%) and a dollop of Viognier (1%), just to give you an indication of the grapes and the proportions included. The 2020 & 2021 vintage was only a slightly different blend. 

Part of The Chocolate Block’s charm lays in the careful use of oak.  While the unblended components spend between 11 – 14 or so months in oak, the oak regime is carefully matched to the varieties.

What does it taste like?

There certainly is a cocoa aroma to this wine, and some bitter dark chocolate flavour apparent on the finish. However, that is certainly not all there is to say about this wine.  There is also some lush ripe blackberry, plum and pepper, cinnamon and earth found amongst the aroma profile and flavours as well. It is full bodied and some softly ripe tannins shape the mouth.  

There is a great deal to this wine and it is still very young. It will continue to mellow with some bottle age.

What to drink it with?

This wine is good with burgers and anything though to a finely cooked steak or roast venison. Even some well seasoned roasted or grilled vegetables with plenty of mushrooms.

Cheese

A great cheese for mature hard cheeses such as cheddar and Manchego.

Quickie review « An aptly named wine! A warm velvety and chocolatey morish morsel »

Country of Origin: Franschhoek, South Africa
Tasting Date: June 2022 & September 2023
Price:  UK £27 | €29  |USD$ 30++ | R260 |AU$65
Drink: now – 7+ years
Needs food: no
Source: purchase

If you like bold red wines, why not check out:
Zuccardi Q Tempranillo
Why you should be drinking Nero d'Avola!

Visit boekenhoutskloof for more.

Review first published 2nd June 2022 & updated November 2023 & November 2025