The Chocolate Block 2009 90 Points

The Chocolate Block 2009 90 Points


Medium clear, bright, dark cherry red plums with purple rim, high concentration and high viscosity, no gas or sediment.

Clean, high intensity, ripe red plums, cassis, complex earthy character, hints of mocha and dark chocolate, floral note complexity, lavender and rosemary, kirsch and ‘Prunes a l’eau de vie”, complex oaking.

Dry, medium plus acidity, lending precise freshness, medium plus crunchy tannins, high alcohol though (14.5 ABV), ripe plums note follows through, savoury black olives, punchy but elegant style, medium plus length and medium plus complexity.

Great and so seductive now, will be hard to keep, however under the right condition will cellar well until 2019.

A Western Cape blend of 67% Syrah, 14% Grenache Noir, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cinsault and 2% Viognier, 2009 vintage total production was 765 barrels.