Boekenhoutskloof  The Chocolate Block.  Boekenhoutskloof is one of South Africa’s best wineries, and the Chocolate Block is one of their most successful wines, currently enjoying great success in the UK. Winemaker Marc Kent is a bit of a legend in Franschoek where he continually wins John Platter’s highest award of 5 stars for the estate’s two flagship wines, Boekenhoutskloof Syrah and  Boekenhoutskloof Cabernet Sauvignon. Both these wines are made in very limited quantities and are difficut to find.

What’s it like?

The Chocolate Block is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cinsault – all common grapes in the South of France, but somewhat unusual to find mixed together in Franschoek! The combination works though, producing a powerful wine with good fruit and some spice tempered by flavours of dark chocolate. It’s great with food. I give them full marks for the name and the presentation too! Give it a try.

How much? Where can I buy it?

Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block is available from quite a few independent merchants including Oddbins if you can stretch to £21.99 (if they actually have any) but the best deal is with www.goodwineonline.co.uk at £16.99 who have recently added a great range of top class, limited production wines from South Africa – at realistic prices!