2023 Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block Magnum

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Type of Wine | |
---|---|
Country | South Africa |
Region | |
Appellation | Swartland |
Winery | |
Vintage | 2023 |
Grape | , , , , |
Content (Alc) | 1.5 ltr (14.5%) |
Drink window | 2024 - 2030 |
Low Stock
Only 2 left
Description
Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate is a premium wine from winemaker Marc Kent, boasting tons of concentrated fruit, structure, and balance. It's a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache Noir, Cinsault, and Viognier. The aroma is exceptionally fragrant. An abundance of red and dark berries, violets, and intense white pepper. And then that explosion of flavors in your mouth. Layers of everything: from soft, ripe fruit, through spices like cardamom, cumin, and cloves, to black peppercorns. Concentrated, structured, and balanced. With fine acidity, tannins reminiscent of cocoa powder, and a cedarwood character. It culminates in a long, sultry finish. This internationally beloved red wine is powerful, a true evening wine. Perfect with a grilled meat at dinner, as a finishing touch to a cheese platter, or later in the evening by the fireplace. It's also an ideal gift. Magnum version of 1.5 liters.
Boekenhoutskloof is a high-profile winery in Franschhoek, particularly impressive in terms of quality. Despite its somewhat unusual Afrikaans name for the "French" Franschhoek, Boekenhoutskloof was founded three centuries ago by French Huguenots. Current winemaker Marc Kent also retains a strong connection to France. He visits at least once a year to find new inspiration in Cornas, the northern Rhône region. In 2020, Boekenhoutskloof was voted the best winery in South Africa by Platter.
Fun fact: On the head of the capsule, you'll find an image of a slender dam. This is the symbol of Boekenhoutskloof and is a reworking of an early silver mark from the Cape of Good Hope. She carries the dove of peace and hope. She guards Boekenhoutskloof and represents intrinsic quality that transcends all else.
FACT: In the "Attachments" tab, you'll find the official fact sheet for this fine wine. We'll automatically send it to you when you order it. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount . You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.
You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. This is a free service for our customers.
Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.
Specifications
Packing information | Box |
---|---|
Type of Wine | Red |
Country | South Africa |
Region | Western Cape |
Appellation | Swartland |
Winery | Boekenhoutskloof |
Grape | Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah-Shiraz, Viognier |
Biological certified | No |
Natural wine | No |
Vegan | No |
Vintage | 2023 |
Drinking as of | 2024 |
Drinking till | 2030 |
Alcohol % | 14.5 |
Alcohol free/low | No |
Content | 1.5 ltr |
Oak aging | Yes |
Sparkling | No |
Dessert wine | No |
Closure | Cork |
Parker rating | 91 |
James Suckling rating | 92 |
Tasting Profiles | Aards, Donker fruit, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Kruidig, Tannines, Vol |
Drink moments | Barbecue, Lekker luxe, Met vrienden, Open haard |
Professional Reviews
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 91
Reviewed by:
Monica Larner
Release Price:
$40
Drink Date:
2024 - 2030
With an ample 1.2 million bottles made, the Boekenhoutskloof 2023 Swartland The Chocolate Block is one of South Africa's most popular restaurant and retail wines. The blend is 74% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cinsault and 1% co-fermented Viognier. Eighty percent of the grapes are farmed by the in-house team. No new oak is used except for the Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest sees neutral barrel. Proprietor Marc Kent says the wine is on its way to officially becoming organic. People underestimate the influence of the Cinsault, he says. It takes away from the roughness of the other grapes, and along with Grenache, creates a more perfumed style of wine. The Chocolate Block is its own brand, representing a fruit-forward, accessible and food-friendly red wine with medium-plus texture and pleasant softness.
Boekenhoutskloof is the Marc Kent project that draws fruit from the same 180-hectare Swartland estate farmed by Porseleinberg. Ten percent of the fruit goes to that second boutique brand, and the rest goes here and its extremely popular The Chocolate Block wine. This historic Franschhoek estate was founded in 1776 and revitalized in 1993 to focus on Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Sémillon and Viognier.
Published: Jun 05, 2025
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
Score
92
Boekenhoutskloof Swartland The Chocolate Block 2023
Friday, Aug 30, 2024
Color
Red
Country
South Africa
Region
Coastal Region
Vintage
2023
Download Shelftalker
This is wonderfully fragrant, with attractive notes of olive, mulberry and peppercorn. It’s juicy, medium- to full-bodied and very bright, with fine-grained tannins and a lively finish. 74% syrah, 11% grenache, 8% cabernet sauvignon, 6% cinsault and 1% viognier. Delicious already. Drink now.
Claire Nesbitt
Staff Writer & Critic
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
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Wijnhuis
Boekenhoutskloof Wines
Boekenhoutskloof is a prominent winery in Franschhoek that impresses, above all, with its exceptional quality. Despite its somewhat unusual Afrikaans name for the ‘French’ Franschhoek, Boekenhoutskloof was founded over three centuries ago by French Huguenots.
Current winemaker Marc Kent maintains strong ties with France. He visits at least once a year, particularly to Cornas in the northern Rhône, to draw fresh inspiration. Marc Kent, Managing Partner & Technical Director of Boekenhoutskloof, is a maverick spirit and the driving force behind the various brands and estates within the Boekenhoutskloof stable. Unafraid to experiment with the unconventional, his primary focus remains on delivering quality at every level and in every detail. Marc is just as committed to the ongoing development and growth of Boekenhoutskloof as he is to the broader South African wine industry. Since its inception, he has been actively involved with the Franschhoek Wine Valley Tourism Association as a board member and has chaired the Vignerons de Franschhoek multiple times. Through Boekenhoutskloof’s investments in the Swartland wine region, he became one of the founders of the Swartland Revolution and the Swartland Independent Producers Association.
Boekenhoutskloof is one of South Africa’s most renowned wineries, located in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley. Since its establishment in 1776, the estate has been known for its elegant, characterful wines where terroir and tradition take center stage. From iconic blends to refined single varietals, this winery offers a broad selection of top-tier wines.
Fun fact: On the top of each bottle’s capsule, you’ll find an image of a slender female figure. She is the emblem of Boekenhoutskloof, inspired by an early Cape of Good Hope silver mark, carrying the dove of peace and hope. She stands guard over Boekenhoutskloof and symbolizes intrinsic quality above all else.
About Boekenhoutskloof
The name Boekenhoutskloof translates to "ravine of the Boekenhout," referring to a native Cape beech tree prized for fine furniture. Nestled at the foot of the Groot Drakenstein mountains, the vineyards benefit from a unique microclimate and rich soil structure. Under the guidance of winemaker Marc Kent, Boekenhoutskloof blends traditional winemaking techniques with modern insights.
At home in Franschhoek, Marc Kent has made a name for himself with standout wines such as Boekenhoutskloof Semillon, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon—each ranked among South Africa’s very best. But Kent has more arrows in his quiver. Alongside these limited-production flagship wines, he also produces exceptionally appealing wines under the Porcupine Ridge and The Wolftrap labels, making quality accessible to a broader audience. At a higher level, the famed The Chocolate Block also belongs to this portfolio. In 2020, Boekenhoutskloof was named Winery of the Year by Platter’s Wine Guide.
Climate and Vineyards of Boekenhoutskloof
Key grape varieties include Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Semillon, each carefully selected and vinified to express the best of the region.
Boekenhoutskloof’s vineyards are spread across Franschhoek and the Swartland region, each offering a unique terroir. In Franschhoek, the vines benefit from a temperate Mediterranean climate, with cool sea breezes ensuring slow ripening and freshness. The soils here consist of granite and slate, contributing to the wines’ minerality and complexity.
In Swartland (where, among others) the Syrah is grown, the climate is warmer and drier. Old bush vines, deeply rooted in the region’s poor, schist-rich soils, yield concentrated grapes with powerful aromas and impressive structure. This blend of terroirs gives Boekenhoutskloof wines their hallmark balance of power and elegance.
Buy Boekenhoutskloof wines
At Grandcruwijnen, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of Boekenhoutskloof wines. Here’s a taste of our collection:
The Chocolate Block
Boekenhoutskloof’s most renowned wine. The Chocolate Block is a bold blend primarily of Syrah, complemented by Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and Viognier. Expect aromas of dark berries, cocoa, and spices, with a velvety-smooth finish.
Boekenhoutskloof Syrah
A complex, elegant red wine from old Swartland vineyards. This Syrah is defined by notes of black pepper, violets, and red fruit, supported by subtle oak nuances.
Boekenhoutskloof Semillon
A white wine with a rich history. The Semillon comes from centuries-old vines in Franschhoek and offers layers of citrus, honey, and light minerality—perfect for lovers of structured, deep wines.
Buy Boekenhoutskloof at Grandcruwijnen
Looking for Boekenhoutskloof wines? At Grandcruwijnen, you can easily order online, directly from our cellar in Dordrecht. Visit us for in-store pickup or choose fast home delivery. Experience the excellence of South African winemaking with Boekenhoutskloof!
Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate is a premium wine from winemaker Marc Kent, boasting tons of concentrated fruit, structure, and balance. It's a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache Noir, Cinsault, and Viognier. The aroma is exceptionally fragrant. An abundance of red and dark berries, violets, and intense white pepper. And then that explosion of flavors in your mouth. Layers of everything: from soft, ripe fruit, through spices like cardamom, cumin, and cloves, to black peppercorns. Concentrated, structured, and balanced. With fine acidity, tannins reminiscent of cocoa powder, and a cedarwood character. It culminates in a long, sultry finish. This internationally beloved red wine is powerful, a true evening wine. Perfect with a grilled meat at dinner, as a finishing touch to a cheese platter, or later in the evening by the fireplace. It's also an ideal gift. Magnum version of 1.5 liters.
Boekenhoutskloof is a high-profile winery in Franschhoek, particularly impressive in terms of quality. Despite its somewhat unusual Afrikaans name for the "French" Franschhoek, Boekenhoutskloof was founded three centuries ago by French Huguenots. Current winemaker Marc Kent also retains a strong connection to France. He visits at least once a year to find new inspiration in Cornas, the northern Rhône region. In 2020, Boekenhoutskloof was voted the best winery in South Africa by Platter.
Fun fact: On the head of the capsule, you'll find an image of a slender dam. This is the symbol of Boekenhoutskloof and is a reworking of an early silver mark from the Cape of Good Hope. She carries the dove of peace and hope. She guards Boekenhoutskloof and represents intrinsic quality that transcends all else.
FACT: In the "Attachments" tab, you'll find the official fact sheet for this fine wine. We'll automatically send it to you when you order it. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount . You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, right next to the A16 motorway, with ample parking. Click here for our address.
You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. This is a free service for our customers.
Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.
Packing information | Box |
---|---|
Type of Wine | Red |
Country | South Africa |
Region | Western Cape |
Appellation | Swartland |
Winery | Boekenhoutskloof |
Grape | Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah-Shiraz, Viognier |
Biological certified | No |
Natural wine | No |
Vegan | No |
Vintage | 2023 |
Drinking as of | 2024 |
Drinking till | 2030 |
Alcohol % | 14.5 |
Alcohol free/low | No |
Content | 1.5 ltr |
Oak aging | Yes |
Sparkling | No |
Dessert wine | No |
Closure | Cork |
Parker rating | 91 |
James Suckling rating | 92 |
Tasting Profiles | Aards, Donker fruit, Droog, Houtgerijpt, Krachtig, Kruidig, Tannines, Vol |
Drink moments | Barbecue, Lekker luxe, Met vrienden, Open haard |
Parker
The Wine Advocate
RP 91
Reviewed by:
Monica Larner
Release Price:
$40
Drink Date:
2024 - 2030
With an ample 1.2 million bottles made, the Boekenhoutskloof 2023 Swartland The Chocolate Block is one of South Africa's most popular restaurant and retail wines. The blend is 74% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cinsault and 1% co-fermented Viognier. Eighty percent of the grapes are farmed by the in-house team. No new oak is used except for the Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest sees neutral barrel. Proprietor Marc Kent says the wine is on its way to officially becoming organic. People underestimate the influence of the Cinsault, he says. It takes away from the roughness of the other grapes, and along with Grenache, creates a more perfumed style of wine. The Chocolate Block is its own brand, representing a fruit-forward, accessible and food-friendly red wine with medium-plus texture and pleasant softness.
Boekenhoutskloof is the Marc Kent project that draws fruit from the same 180-hectare Swartland estate farmed by Porseleinberg. Ten percent of the fruit goes to that second boutique brand, and the rest goes here and its extremely popular The Chocolate Block wine. This historic Franschhoek estate was founded in 1776 and revitalized in 1993 to focus on Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Sémillon and Viognier.
Published: Jun 05, 2025
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
James Suckling
Score
92
Boekenhoutskloof Swartland The Chocolate Block 2023
Friday, Aug 30, 2024
Color
Red
Country
South Africa
Region
Coastal Region
Vintage
2023
Download Shelftalker
This is wonderfully fragrant, with attractive notes of olive, mulberry and peppercorn. It’s juicy, medium- to full-bodied and very bright, with fine-grained tannins and a lively finish. 74% syrah, 11% grenache, 8% cabernet sauvignon, 6% cinsault and 1% viognier. Delicious already. Drink now.
Claire Nesbitt
Staff Writer & Critic
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua...
Exclusive Content
Sign in to unlock professional wine reviews from world-renowned critics
Boekenhoutskloof Wines
Boekenhoutskloof is a prominent winery in Franschhoek that impresses, above all, with its exceptional quality. Despite its somewhat unusual Afrikaans name for the ‘French’ Franschhoek, Boekenhoutskloof was founded over three centuries ago by French Huguenots.
Current winemaker Marc Kent maintains strong ties with France. He visits at least once a year, particularly to Cornas in the northern Rhône, to draw fresh inspiration. Marc Kent, Managing Partner & Technical Director of Boekenhoutskloof, is a maverick spirit and the driving force behind the various brands and estates within the Boekenhoutskloof stable. Unafraid to experiment with the unconventional, his primary focus remains on delivering quality at every level and in every detail. Marc is just as committed to the ongoing development and growth of Boekenhoutskloof as he is to the broader South African wine industry. Since its inception, he has been actively involved with the Franschhoek Wine Valley Tourism Association as a board member and has chaired the Vignerons de Franschhoek multiple times. Through Boekenhoutskloof’s investments in the Swartland wine region, he became one of the founders of the Swartland Revolution and the Swartland Independent Producers Association.
Boekenhoutskloof is one of South Africa’s most renowned wineries, located in the picturesque Franschhoek Valley. Since its establishment in 1776, the estate has been known for its elegant, characterful wines where terroir and tradition take center stage. From iconic blends to refined single varietals, this winery offers a broad selection of top-tier wines.
Fun fact: On the top of each bottle’s capsule, you’ll find an image of a slender female figure. She is the emblem of Boekenhoutskloof, inspired by an early Cape of Good Hope silver mark, carrying the dove of peace and hope. She stands guard over Boekenhoutskloof and symbolizes intrinsic quality above all else.
About Boekenhoutskloof
The name Boekenhoutskloof translates to "ravine of the Boekenhout," referring to a native Cape beech tree prized for fine furniture. Nestled at the foot of the Groot Drakenstein mountains, the vineyards benefit from a unique microclimate and rich soil structure. Under the guidance of winemaker Marc Kent, Boekenhoutskloof blends traditional winemaking techniques with modern insights.
At home in Franschhoek, Marc Kent has made a name for himself with standout wines such as Boekenhoutskloof Semillon, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon—each ranked among South Africa’s very best. But Kent has more arrows in his quiver. Alongside these limited-production flagship wines, he also produces exceptionally appealing wines under the Porcupine Ridge and The Wolftrap labels, making quality accessible to a broader audience. At a higher level, the famed The Chocolate Block also belongs to this portfolio. In 2020, Boekenhoutskloof was named Winery of the Year by Platter’s Wine Guide.
Climate and Vineyards of Boekenhoutskloof
Key grape varieties include Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Semillon, each carefully selected and vinified to express the best of the region.
Boekenhoutskloof’s vineyards are spread across Franschhoek and the Swartland region, each offering a unique terroir. In Franschhoek, the vines benefit from a temperate Mediterranean climate, with cool sea breezes ensuring slow ripening and freshness. The soils here consist of granite and slate, contributing to the wines’ minerality and complexity.
In Swartland (where, among others) the Syrah is grown, the climate is warmer and drier. Old bush vines, deeply rooted in the region’s poor, schist-rich soils, yield concentrated grapes with powerful aromas and impressive structure. This blend of terroirs gives Boekenhoutskloof wines their hallmark balance of power and elegance.
Buy Boekenhoutskloof wines
At Grandcruwijnen, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of Boekenhoutskloof wines. Here’s a taste of our collection:
The Chocolate Block
Boekenhoutskloof’s most renowned wine. The Chocolate Block is a bold blend primarily of Syrah, complemented by Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and Viognier. Expect aromas of dark berries, cocoa, and spices, with a velvety-smooth finish.
Boekenhoutskloof Syrah
A complex, elegant red wine from old Swartland vineyards. This Syrah is defined by notes of black pepper, violets, and red fruit, supported by subtle oak nuances.
Boekenhoutskloof Semillon
A white wine with a rich history. The Semillon comes from centuries-old vines in Franschhoek and offers layers of citrus, honey, and light minerality—perfect for lovers of structured, deep wines.
Buy Boekenhoutskloof at Grandcruwijnen
Looking for Boekenhoutskloof wines? At Grandcruwijnen, you can easily order online, directly from our cellar in Dordrecht. Visit us for in-store pickup or choose fast home delivery. Experience the excellence of South African winemaking with Boekenhoutskloof!
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