Boekenhoutskloof · The Chocolate Block · Swartland · Western Cape, South Africa · 2024 · 750ml
Boekenhoutskloof is one of South Africa's most acclaimed estates, and The Chocolate Block is the wine that put Swartland on the world map. Created by winemaker Marc Kent, it is a Syrah-led blend — 73% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cinsault, and 1% Viognier — sourced from old-vine parcels in the granite-rich soils of the Swartland. The name is no accident: this is a wine built for pleasure, with the kind of dark, brooding generosity that makes it impossible to put down. Over 1.1 million bottles are produced each vintage, yet the quality never wavers. At $37.99, The Chocolate Block remains one of the most compelling values in the New World red wine category.
Deep, inky ruby in the glass with an intense nose of blackberry, bramble, lavender, cacao, and a whisper of cured meat and potting soil — dark, brooding, and utterly compelling. On the palate: medium-to-full bodied with a lush compote of blueberries, ripe plums, black currants, and cherries, framed by cacao-powdery tannins that add texture and complexity. Cumin spice, white pepper, licorice, and hints of garrigue carry through to a velvety, persistent finish. James Suckling awarded 92 points; Wine Advocate 92 points. Drink now through 2030, or cellar for added complexity. Pair with grilled ribeye, lamb chops, braised short ribs, or a serious cheese board.
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Producer: Boekenhoutskloof · Winemaker Marc Kent
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Wine: The Chocolate Block · Swartland
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Vintage: 2024
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Origin: Swartland, Western Cape, South Africa
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Blend: 73% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cinsault, 1% Viognier
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Style: Full-bodied, structured New World red
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Scores: James Suckling 92 · Wine Advocate 92
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Drinking Window: Now–2030
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Size: 750ml
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Tasting Notes: Blackberry, bramble, lavender, cacao, blueberry, ripe plum, black currant, cumin spice, white pepper, licorice, velvety finish
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Pair With: Grilled ribeye · Lamb chops · Braised short ribs · Aged cheese
Old-vine Swartland Syrah, cacao-powdery tannins — South Africa's most beloved red, vintage after vintage.
Expert Reviews - Vintage 2024
James Suckling — 92 Points
This creamy, medium-bodied red has aromas of dark cherries, blueberries, cracked pepper and thyme. It’s juicy and smoothly integrated with tasty savory undertones to the dark fruit.
Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) — 92 Points
The Boekenhoutskloof 2024 Swartland The Chocolate Block, a blend of 73% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cinsault and 1% Viognier, may not aim for intellectual nuance, but it more than compensates with pure, comforting charm, like a big, shaggy dog asleep by the fireplace. Medium- to full-bodied, it delivers generous black fruit and bold cherry flavors with a smooth, reassuring texture, offering plenty of pleasure. Conceived by vintner Marc Kent as an accessible, crowd-pleasing expression of Swartland fruit, the wine reflects Boekenhoutskloof’s belief that serious craftsmanship and broad appeal need not be mutually exclusive. Production is substantial, with 3,741 barrels made, translating to just over 1.1 million bottles, making it an ideal choice for a long wooden table at a steakhouse surrounded by friends and shared plates.
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