Boekenhoutskloof was established in 1776. Located in the furthest corner of the beautiful Franschhoek valley, the farm’s name means “ravine of the Boekenhout” (pronounced Book-n-Howed). Boekenhout is an indigenous Cape Beech tree greatly prized for furniture making. In 1993 the farm and homestead was bought and restored and a new vineyard planting programme was established that now includes Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Semillon and Viognier.
Boekenhoutskloof Franschhoek The Chocolate Block 2023
14% abv
Bursts with raspberries, allspice and a grapefruit-cool-climate-Syrah typicity underscored by dark fruit and floral incense. Structurally more intense than recent vintages with the Porseleinberg Syrah starting to make an impact, with a refreshing acidity luring you back for more. The Viognier adds subtle hi-tone nuances to the aromatic profile and some textural qualities. Bitter dark chocolate on the palate with cold soaked game, black fruit, hints of smoky minerality and oak spice. A pure, focussed, textured and penetrating palate.
The 2023 The Chocolate Block, arguably the Cape’s most successful brand in terms of both quantity and quality, is a mixture of 70% estate fruit (mainly from Porseleinberg) and 30% from partnership vineyards on reddish soils that have supplied fruit for 15 to 20 years. It matured for 12 to 14 months in 95% used barriques. Fruit picked after the rains was not included in the blend. The 2023 has a fresh nose with redcurrant and pomegranate fruit, earthy notes and a touch of tea leaf. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy red fruit and fine acidity, fresh and vibrant with brown spices and black pepper toward the finish. According to the label, production totaled 4,043 barrels in this vintage—it is some achievement to produce a label of such scale at this level of quality. The Cape couldn’t ask for a better ambassador.” 91 points, Neal Martin, Vinous Aug 2024
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2023 | Africa | Boekenhoutskloof Franschhoek | Cabernet Sauvignon | Cinsault | Duty Paid | Grenache (Garnacha/Cannonau) | Red | Shiraz / Syrah | South Africa | Still | Viognier | Western Cape | Wine- Reference #:
- 24299
- Strength
- 14 ABV
- Bottles per Case
- 6 bottles
- Grapes
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Grenache (Garnacha/Cannonau), Shiraz / Syrah, Viognier
- Organic
- No
- Biodynamic
- No
- Vegan
- No
- Vegetarian
- No
- Sparkling
- No

