2010 South Africa

A brilliant bouquet dominated by exotic, ripe blackberry and wild hedgerow fruits. Enticing with the floral overtones of violet and even a dash of stone fruit. Very beautifully harmonious on the palate with superbly ripe tannins seamlessly interwoven with spicy fresh acidity and layers of ripe black fruit. A wine which has a global following and it’s easy to see why. The Syrah and Cabernet grapes dominate with their spicy, firm texture but the Grenache imparts a dash of black cherry and dark chocolate and the Viognier and Cinsault add a touch of lifted fruit on the nose. Stunning.
72% Syrah, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Grenache, 6% Cinsault, 2% Viognier.


The 2010 Chocolate Block is the perfect example of identifying “undiscovered” parcels of vineyard with amazing potential and utilizing it to unleash its world class quality. The Syrah fruit comes from Malmesbury (Swartland) with its unique growing conditions and dryland farmed vineyards to ensure it deep-rooted vines and therefore optimal concentration of colour, flavour and tannin structure.

The Grenanche noir is sourced from Piekenierskloof (Citrusdal) with its very sandy soils and perfect terroir for ripening this grape varietal. This batch was matured in 600L barrels to retain the unmistakable fruit and freshness on the cultivar. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Viognier come from the organically farmed vineyards of Boekenhouskloof and the Cinsault is from old bushvines on decomposed granite soils in Wellington.

The wine matures in 2nd and 3rd filled French oak barrels for 18 months before it gets a light egg-white fining. 1035 barriques were selected for this wine.

On the nose, citrus, peach and an attractive burnt matchstick characteristic. The palate displays pure fruit, lemon-like acidity and carefully judged oak before a long, dry “grape skin like” finish. A great example of a true South African Chenin Blanc. Dry and assertive in style with clean lines throughout.
Stuart Rae - Private Account Manager