The Chocolate Block
Category
Red
Grapes
79 % Syrah, 13 % Cabernet Sauvignon, 11 % Grenache Noir, 3 % Cinsault, 1 % Viognier
Appellation
Western Cape (WO)
Producer
Country
South Africa
Region
Western Cape
Size
750 ml
Degree of alcohol
14,5 %
Serving temperature
16 °C
Available in these provinces
Québec, Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador
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Terroir The wine is produced in Franschhoek in the Paarl region by winemaker Marc Kent. The Syrah comes from Malmesbury, a unique terroir that enjoys excellent growing conditions. The deeply rooted vines produce optimal concentrations for the appearance, flavour and tannic structure. The Grenache Noir comes from the country’s oldest vines, which are located in Citrusdal, whose sandy soil makes it a perfect terroir for the grape variety. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier from Boekenhoutskloof are organically farmed while the Cinsault comes from old bush vines grown in decomposed granite soils in Welbedacht in Wellington.
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Vinification and maturation The Grenache was matured in 600-litre barrels to retain the unmistakable fruit and freshness of the cultivar. The wine matured in second- and third-fill French oak barrels for 18 months before undergoing a light egg-white fining.
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Features The nose is expressive, with scents of black cherry, spicy raspberry, black fruit and violets. As the wine breathes, you’ll discover a rustic leather and earth dimension. In the mouth, the wine is well structured with elegant, supple tannins. Spicy oak aromas cover a rounded mid-palate. In short, a classically styled wine whose beautifully integrated tannins and fine acidity give it a deliciously sustained finish. Its ageing potential is eight years.
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Food Pairings Perfect with filet mignon, game, lamb and all kinds of grilled meat.
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Other information 2012 - 90 pts Robert Parker

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Terroir The wine is produced in Franschhoek in the Paarl region by winemaker Marc Kent. The Syrah comes from Malmesbury, a unique terroir that enjoys excellent growing conditions. The deeply rooted vines produce optimal concentrations for the appearance, flavour and tannic structure. The Grenache Noir comes from the country’s oldest vines, which are located in Citrusdal, whose sandy soil makes it a perfect terroir for the grape variety. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier from Boekenhoutskloof are organically farmed while the Cinsault comes from old bush vines grown in decomposed granite soils in Welbedacht in Wellington.
-
Vinification and maturation The Grenache was matured in 600-litre barrels to retain the unmistakable fruit and freshness of the cultivar. The wine matured in second- and third-fill French oak barrels for 18 months before undergoing a light egg-white fining.
-
Features The nose is expressive, with scents of black cherry, spicy raspberry, black fruit and violets. As the wine breathes, you’ll discover a rustic leather and earth dimension. In the mouth, the wine is well structured with elegant, supple tannins. Spicy oak aromas cover a rounded mid-palate. In short, a classically styled wine whose beautifully integrated tannins and fine acidity give it a deliciously sustained finish. Its ageing potential is eight years.
-
Food Pairings Perfect with filet mignon, game, lamb and all kinds of grilled meat.
-
Other information 2012 - 90 pts Robert Parker