Magnificent magnum (1.5 litre) bottling.

Intense blackberry, bramble, and lavender aromas with gentle nuances of potting soil and cured meat dominate a dark and brooding nose. The abundance of perfume and the earthy character of the nose follows through generously onto a powerful palate, with a lush compote of blueberries, ripe plums, black currants & cherries. Cacao-powdery tannins are abundant, adding texture and complexity to an almost savoury mid-palate, seamlessly complementing the vivid dark fruits, alcohol and acidity. This is a robust, structured wine, yet it is delicate, poised and elegant at the same time. Black fruits, cumin spice, white pepper, liquorice and hints of garrigue persist on a velvety finish.

The quest to understand the name of this wine and the wine itself is now the stuff of legend. While Boekenhoutskloof are not about to reveal all, they can say that the style of the wine is a reflection of their belief that the Cape, with its Mediterranean climate, is eminently suited to blended reds.

The make-up of this wine is tweaked from vintage to vintage to best reflect the season and the ancient vines of great character that are an integral part of the wine's charm and personality.

"Bay leaves, currants and violets on the nose with a touch of iron. It's medium- to full-bodied, balanced and supple. I like the herb and peppercorn freshness. Blend of 77% syrah, 9% grenache, cinsault, 5% cabernet sauvignon and 1% viognier. Drink now."
91 points. James Suckling, jamessuckling.com (October 2023)

"77% Syrah, 9% Grenache, 8% Cinsault, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Viognier. Only the Cabernet was aged in new French oak barriques, the rest in used oak varying from barriques to foudres for 12 to 14 months. All their own fruit now. Vegan. RS 2.9 g/l.
Very deep purple. Tender touch on the nose with polished Syrah to the fore. As usual, this caresses and flatters the palate. 14.5%. Drink to 2027."
16.5 points. Jancis Robinson MW, jancisrobinson.com (November 2023)

"A skilfully blended and packaged wine, The Chocolate Block is a clever assemblage of mostly Syrah from the Goldmine and Porseleinberg vineyards with 9% Grenache, 8% Cinsault, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Viognier. Fleshy, perfumed and smooth, it has sweet goji berry and summer pudding fruit, velvety tannins, scented cinnamon oak and a fresh, lifted finish. Drink to 2029."
93 points.
Tim Atkin MW, South Africa Report (September 2023)