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89POINTS
16¼/20
The Chocolate Block 2015
Western Cape, South AfricaBoekenhoutskoof was established 1776, and today, in the hands of talented maverick winemaker Marc Kent, they are still kicking off great things, like the behemoth that is Chocolate Block, known in markets the world over, thanks to its 500,000 bottles/year. The 2015 Chocolate Block is a blend of Syrah, Grenache Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault and Viognier and for the first time, this is all Swartland fruit. The 2015 also had a greater splash of Grenache than previous years, which is noticeable up front on the massive florality here (the Grenache was matured in 600L barrels to retain its fruity aromas and vibrancy.) Mulberry, brooding black plum and kirsch on the full palate, one smooth and housed by fine, firm tannins. This is a polished wine, but not overtly so, with a textural fruitcake spicing throughout to a dark mocha finish. The wine matures in 1st (all of the Cabernet Sauvignon), 2nd and 3rd fill French oak barrels (eight 2500L French oak foudres) for 16 months before it undergoes a light egg-white fining and filtration.Tasted: 05 June 2017Tasted by: Treve RingPrices:| BC | $40.00 | 750ml | private wine stores |
