BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF The Chocolate Block 2020 MAGNUM

Description

Boekenhoutskloof Chocolate Block 2020 is a powerful and concentrated expression of Western Cape ripeness, marrying sumptuous dark fruit with intense spice and refined structure. The colour is deep ruby with a dense, almost inky core. The nose is exuberant, offering black cherry, ripe plum and cassis at the forefront, overlaid with decadent notes of dark chocolate, mocha and roasted espresso. Perfumed hints of violets and lavender add lift while cracked black pepper, five spice and a faint menthol note give the bouquet an exotic savoury edge.

On the palate the wine is full bodied and mouthfilling with plush, velvety tannins that support an abundant core of blackberry, blackcurrant and ripe damson. The Cabernet framework provides structure and grip, while Shiraz and Cinsault contributions bring spice, sweetness of fruit and a floral lift. Layers of dark cocoa, toasted oak, clove and a subtle tobacco note weave through the mid palate, and a polished acidity keeps the profile balanced and focused rather than cloying. The finish is long and warming with lingering spice, a fine bitter cocoa echo and a savoury mineral undertow.

The 2020 vintage in the Cape produced very ripe, concentrated grapes in many sites, with warm daytime temperatures tempered by cool nights that preserved acidity and aromatic clarity. In Chocolate Block this yields a wine of generosity and depth that remains energetic and poised.

Approachable now with decanting, the 2020 will also reward medium term cellaring. Drink 2026 to 2036. Serve with chargrilled ribeye, spiced lamb cutlets, rich stews, mature cheddar or dark chocolate desserts to match the wine’s ripe fruit, spice and cocoa driven character.

JAMES SUCKLING 91 points
This is a soft and fruity red with some reserve and freshness that gives it a medium body with subtle chocolate, tobacco and berry flavors. Medium finish., 73% syrah, 11% grenache, 8% cinsault, 7% cabernet sauvignon and 1% viognier. Vegan. Drink now.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 90+ points
Reviewed by: Anthony Mueller
Drink Date: 2022 - 2032
Perhaps one of the most floral vintages that I’ve seen in a while, the 2020 Chocolate Block is a blend of 73% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 8% Cinsault, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Viognier. The nose is robust, juicy and expressive with hints of bramble, red and black spice and elegant purple flowers. Medium to full-bodied, the mouthfeel displays a balanced structure with focused tannins and lifting acidity that frames the mid-palate. Then wine finishes with a delightfully lingering, fruit-forward essence with a kiss of tar, roses and baked rocks. This will have no challenges making it until its 10th birthday. 2,982 barrels were produced. Give it a try.

WINE EHTUSIAST 90 points
Light notes of star anise and licorice form an attractive nose. The smooth palate of this blend has a core of red berries accented by fresh herbs. It's medium-bodied and has a persistent finish that is slightly warm and fruity. — Jesica Vargas

VINOUS 89 points
Drinking window: 2022 - 2030
The 2020 The Chocolate Block has a clean, well-defined bouquet of red plum and black currant, plus touches of tangerine in the background. The palate is medium-bodied, plush and generous, with supple tannins and a very smooth, espresso-tinged finish. It’s no wonder The Chocolate Block has such wide appeal across the world.
Neal Martin. Tasting date: July 2021

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ABOUT BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF
Boekenhoutskloof is a landmark South African estate based in Franschhoek, renowned for producing bold, flavour driven wines that combine ripe fruit intensity with savoury complexity and ageing potential. The domaine emerged in the 1990s and quickly established a distinctive voice through both single variety bottlings and blends, most famously The Chocolate Block, which helped introduce international audiences to a modern South African style grounded in careful vineyard selection.

Ownership sits with a private company whose long term steward has been Marc Kent, a dynamic figure responsible for shaping the brand identity and commercial strategy. In recent seasons the technical leadership has been strengthened by the arrival of Gottfried Mocke as head winemaker, working with an experienced cellar team to refine parcel level practice and to enhance expression of site. Family and senior staff remain closely involved in vineyard planning and quality oversight, ensuring continuity of vision.

Vineyards are a mix of estate blocks and long term grower partnerships across Franschhoek, the Swartland and other South African districts. The winery sources fruit from diverse soils and microclimates, selecting sites that contribute structural depth, aromatic lift and textural interest. Varieties include Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache and several white varieties such as Viognier and Semillon. Viticulture emphasises low yields, canopy management and selective hand harvesting to capture optimal ripeness and preserve natural acidity.

Winemaking is parcel by parcel with rigorous sorting, small batch fermentations and attentive extraction to retain aromatic clarity while building tannic structure. A variety of vessels are used in fermentation and élevage, and oak regimes are chosen to support texture without obscuring site character. Blending trials and sensory evaluation guide final assemblages, balancing generosity with freshness.

Stylistically Boekenhoutskloof offers wines that range from plush, spice driven Syrah and structured Cabernet led blends to fresher whites with floral and stone fruit notes. The Chocolate Block exemplifies the house style with dense dark fruit, spice, cocoa and a savoury finish. Under current stewardship the estate continues to combine bold flavour, technical rigour and a strong sense of place, securing its status among South Africa’s most influential producers.