BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF THE CHOCOLATE BLOCK - 2005

This South African red is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Viognier. It has an alcohol content of 14.5% and is from the Franschhoek Valley.

TASTING NOTES:

Lively purple color with rich ripe berries on the nose. Medium bodied. Fruity blackberry with sour cherry and grape Sour Patch candy flavors. There's some tartness and slightly off-balance acidity on the finish almost a bit vegetal. Hints of chocolate and spice are lurking underneath.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

88 PTS

Previous vintages of The Chocolate Block really impressed me. They were so rich with chocolate and coffee. This vintage has not quite come together yet. I was somewhat disappointed. It is almost more Spanish in style with its fruit forward grapiness. This is a good bottle that will improve with cellaring, but it feels a bit young right now.