Chocolate Block Plus Set

Five times the cult red wine, once the new white sister

The Chocolate Block from Boekenhoutskloof is one of the most successful wines South Africa has produced in modern times. The first 15 barrels were created in 2002; today, this Syrah blend is a household name worldwide and has a loyal fan base. This set combines five bottles of the current 2023 vintage with one bottle of Goldmine White 2024, the first bottling of its new white counterpart. Ideal for those who like to stock up on their favorite wine, for convivial evenings with friends, or as a gift for lovers of robust red wines who also want to discover the new white.

The bottles in the set

• Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block 2023 (5 bottles) The Syrah-led blend with Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and a hint of Viognier. The 2023 vintage is the first where the grapes come entirely from the Swartland, about 70% of which from their own vineyards, primarily Porseleinberg. Blackberry, blueberry, and bramble, plus black olives, white pepper, and coriander seeds. Juicy on the palate, with licorice and cherry, velvety tannins, and a hint of cherry tobacco on the finish. Tim Atkin 93 points, James Suckling 92 points.
• Boekenhoutskloof Goldmine White 2024 (1 bottle) The first bottling of the new white Cape blend, inspired by the white wines of the southern Rhône. Chenin Blanc from the Swartland provides texture, Sémillon from Franschhoek provides structure, Chardonnay from the cool Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley provides freshness, and Viognier provides a floral touch. Quince, poached pear, and nectarine, plus ginger and cinnamon, with lively acidity and a mineral finish with lime, white peach, and orange marmalade. Winemag 96 points, Tim Atkin 93 points.

At a glance: 6 bottles of 0.75 l each, 5 red wines and 1 white wine, South Africa, dry. Serve the Chocolate Block best at 16 to 18 degrees, the Goldmine at 10 to 12 degrees.

Vinification

• Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block 2023: 74% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cinsault, 1% Viognier (co-fermented). Whole-berry spontaneous fermentation in concrete and stainless steel tanks without additives. 12 to 14 months in predominantly used 225-liter French oak barriques, the Grenache in 600-liter barrels. Swartland.
• Boekenhoutskloof Goldmine White 2024: 53% Chenin Blanc (Swartland), 24% Chardonnay (Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley), 19% Sémillon (Franschhoek), 4% Viognier. Chenin Blanc, Sémillon, and Viognier aged in used 2500-liter foudres, concrete eggs, and clay amphorae; the Chardonnay in new French barriques. 12 to 14 months aging depending on the component. Western Cape.

Pairs with: Braai, lamb chops, burgers, spareribs, pizza, game dishes, and dark chocolate for the Chocolate Block; roast chicken, seafood, risotto, and creamy cheeses for the Goldmine.