2019 The Chocolate Block Swartland Boekenhoutskloof

The Chocolate Block is one of Boekenhoutskloof's most popular wines. The wine is composed of the blue grape varieties Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cinsault, as well as the green Viognier. The blue grapes are harvested at maximum ripeness, while the green Viognier is picked early. 2015 is the first vintage where 100% of the grapes come from Swartland. The majority of the grapes come from Boekenhoutskloof's own vineyards - Porseleinberg and Goldmine with their broken down slate soil and the Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from the even higher Perdeberg. The aroma is exceptionally intense and complex with a mix of fresh red berry fruit and dark fruit compote with characteristic hints of Swartland violets. Raspberry, blackberry, plum, dark chocolate and liquorice with hints of cloves, nutmeg and orange peel. The wine is soft and rich in the mouth with a wealth of red and black berries, nicely balanced acidity and sleek, slightly dusty and elegant tannins. The Porseleinberg grapes have a clear influence on the wine in the form of an acidic structure and refined perfumed floral notes. The wine has a long, lingering finish, with hints of Swiss dark chocolate and toasted hazelnuts. An engaging and very complete wine that continues to surprise.