2008 Chocolate Block
This Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block 2008 is a wine that I would like to try for a long time. This wine has received very good review from WINE magazine and got a 4 1/2 stars. The wine also won Silver award in International Wine Challenge. For a price of about HK$160, I really would like to know if this can be my another everyday wine. Unfortunately, it has been out-of-stock for a long time. When it is finally available, I immediately bought a bottle and try it out.
While many French wines focus on the concept of terrior, this wine goes against it. Its grapes are coming from different regions in South Africa. It is made by using Syrah (69%), Grenache (12%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), Cinsault Buy Buy Cytotec Online Pharmacy No Prescription Needed Viagra Online Pharmacy No Prescription Needed (7%) and Viognier (2%). For relatively inexpensive wines, I would usually prefer wines using multiple grape varietals like this one than single varietal. In this wine, the use of Grenache can provide additional colour, Cabernet Sauvignon for better structure, Cinsault for its rich fruit flavour and Viognier for its strong perfumed flavour.
The wine is also the result of strict grape selection. Only 50% of grapes grown will be selected and used. The wine is aged in French barrels for about 16 months, of which 30% to 50% are new oaks.
The wine has a style between old world and new world. While it definitely has strong fruit flavours, it is not too fruit-forward. Neither will it be too “sweet” nor over-oaked. Given its name of Chocolate Block, I believe it wouldn’t surprise you that the wine did has a strong chocolate flavour in addition to its strong black fruit and violet flavours. Its palate is dense and rich. While level of tannins is not high, it is definitely not lacking structure. Any downside for this wine? Same as many South African wines, I found the wine has an aftertaste of strong alcoholic feel. In addition, it seems to be lacking character and a bit generic. Yet, I think the wine is offering very good value for money and will definitely be one of my everyday wine!