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 600cl 2017
14.5% abv
A very large (8x75cl bottles worth) back vintage of Chocolate Block.
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 2017 The Chocolate Block contains less Syrah than previous vintages: 64%, plus 14% Grenache, 11% Cinsault, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Viognier, the Cabernet being the only variety that saw new oak. It was matured 16 months in used oak. The important factor is that there is not much more fruit sourced from the estate’s vines in Porseleinberg and the Goldmine Vineyards. It has a very well defined bouquet of blackberry, raspberry coulis, crushed rose petals, hints of orange peel and minerals. This is much more detailed and classic in style than previous vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, a fine bead of acidity, and quite saline and spicy in the mouth . The fresh, quite pure finish lingers in the mouth. This is a very impressive wine, to the point where I feel that “The Chocolate Block” no longer reflects the style of the wine. It is a great achievement that this level of quality is achieved with 2,057 barrels of wine. Bravo. ” 2020 – 2035
92 Points, Neal Martin, Vinous, Aug 2018
Explore More:
2017 | Africa | Boekenhoutskloof Franschhoek | Cabernet Sauvignon | Cinsault | Duty Paid | Grenache (Garnacha/Cannonau) | Red | Shiraz / Syrah | South Africa | Still | Viognier | Western Cape | Wine- Reference #:
- 23068
- Strength
- 14.5 ABV
- Bottles per Case
- 1 bottles
- Grapes
- Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Grenache (Garnacha/Cannonau), Shiraz / Syrah, Viognier
- Organic
- No
- Biodynamic
- No
- Vegan
- Yes
- Vegetarian
- Yes
- Sparkling
- No
