2010 The Chocolate Block
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Tasting notes
The 2010 The Chocolate Block is a blend of 72% Syrah, 7% Grenache, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, plus Cinsault and Viognier that is raised in French oak for 18 months of which 13% new. It has a rustic blackberry and tar-scented nose with touches of undergrowth. The palate is medium-bodied with chunky ripe tannins and spicy black fruit tinged with (of course) a titular tincture of dark chocolate. This commercial stalwart is still doing the business. Drink now-2015. It may still be difficult to pronounce but Boekenhoutskloof continues to affirm itself as one of South Africa's leading estates. Mark Kent is an astute helmsman, branching out to regions beyond his base in Franschhoek, for example, into Swartland for his Syrah. I still feel that he could rein in the new oak a little, but otherwise this is another set of superb South African wines. Importer: Vineyard Brands, Birmingham, Alabama. Tel 205-949-6262.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Neal Martin, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
72% Syrah, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Grenache Noir, 6% Cinsault and 2% Viognier. The Syrah fruit came from Franschhoek, Swartland, Citrusdal, and Wellington. The old-vine Grenache Noir was sourced from Citrusdal, with its very sandy soils and perfect terroir for ripening this grape varietal. Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier were from the organically-farmed vineyards of Boekenhoutskloof, whilst Cinsault was from old bushvines on decomposed granite of Wellington. All grapes were hand-harvested and all ferments used natural yeast with the exception of the Cabernet Sauvignon which was inoculated with a commercial strain. The wine matured in second- and third-filled French oak barrels for 18 months, except the Cabernet Sauvignon component which matured in new oak. Winemaker Marc Kent. TA 5.8 g/l, pH 3.85, RS 2.4 g/l. Racy and with lift. Quite angular and punchy. Much more structure than in the early vintages. Good, satisfying stuff with excellent persistence. (JR)
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Product details
Syrah / Shiraz, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier, Grenache/ Garnacha
Red
Dry