The Chocolate Block 2008

The 2008 Chocolate Block is a blend of Syrah (69%); Grenache noir (12%); Cabernet Sauvignon (10%); Cinsault (7%) and Viognier (2%). The Syrah fruit comes from Malmesbury 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 (from some of the oldest in the country) is sourced from 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 Boekenhoutskloof and the Cinsault is from old bush vines on decomposed granite soils on Welbedacht in Wellington. The wine matures in 2nd and 3rd filled French oak barrels for 15 months before it gets a light egg-white fining. 888 barrels were selected.

• Alcohol: 14.82% vol
• RS: 3.5 g/l
• TA: 5.4 g/l
• pH: 3.84
• Blend:
• Syrah 69%;
• Grenache 12%;
• Cabernet Sauvignon 10%;
• Cinsault 7%;
• Viognier 2%