2023 Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block

2023 Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block is one of South Africa’s most iconic red blends, crafted to showcase the depth, spice and finesse of Swartland fruit. Syrah-led and supported by classic Rhône and Bordeaux varieties, it delivers rich flavour with a polished, modern structure. Since its debut, The Chocolate Block has become a benchmark for premium Cape blends, loved by enthusiasts for its generous character and remarkable consistency from vintage to vintage.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2023 The Chocolate Block shows a deep ruby core with a youthful purple rim, signaling concentration and vibrancy. The nose is expressive and layered: ripe blackberries, dark cherries and plums unfold alongside cocoa nibs, mocha, sweet spice and a hint of dried violets and lavender. Subtle notes of smoked meat, black pepper, baking spices and a gentle vanilla sheen from oak add complexity without overpowering the fruit. On the palate, this vintage is full-bodied yet finely structured, with supple tannins and a fresh, balancing acidity. Flavours of dark berry compote, black cherry and ripe plum are interwoven with dark chocolate, espresso, licorice and a savoury, peppery edge typical of Swartland Syrah. The finish is long and smooth, with lingering notes of cocoa, spice and dried herbs. While highly enjoyable in its youth, the 2023 has the depth and structure to age gracefully for 5–8 years, gaining more tertiary notes of leather, tobacco and truffle over time.

Production
Fruit for The Chocolate Block 2023 is sourced primarily from the rugged Swartland appellation, where old vines rooted in decomposed granite and shale soils deliver naturally low yields and remarkable concentration. The warm, dry climate, tempered by cooling afternoon breezes, allows optimal ripeness while preserving fresh acidity. Grapes are picked selectively, largely by hand, to ensure only perfectly ripe bunches make it to the cellar. Each grape variety—predominantly Syrah, supported by Grenache, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon and a touch of Viognier—is vinified separately, typically with gentle extraction and temperature-controlled fermentation to preserve aromatic purity. Aging takes place in a combination of French oak barrels and larger wooden vessels, with careful blending to balance fruit, spice, structure and the signature chocolate-like richness that has made this wine so recognizable.

Food & Serving
The 2023 The Chocolate Block is a versatile food wine that shines with flavourful, richly seasoned dishes. It pairs beautifully with grilled or roast lamb, ribeye steak, game meats, venison stews, slow-braised beef short ribs, and spice-rubbed pork. Its dark fruit and subtle cocoa notes also complement barbecue, charcuterie, hard cheeses like aged Gouda or Cheddar, and earthy mushroom dishes. Serve at 16–18°C; in its youth, decanting for 45–60 minutes helps the wine open up, softening the tannins and releasing its full aromatic profile.

Producer
Boekenhoutskloof, founded in 1776 in the Franschhoek Valley, is one of South Africa’s most respected and influential wine producers. Revitalized in the 1990s, the estate quickly gained an international reputation for premium Rhône-style reds and elegant, terroir-driven wines. The creation of The Chocolate Block helped bring Swartland’s potential to global attention, highlighting the region’s old vines and distinctive, characterful fruit. Today, Boekenhoutskloof is widely regarded as a leader in the modern Cape wine renaissance, regularly earning high critical acclaim and playing a key role in establishing South Africa as a source of world-class red blends.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.