2012 The Chocolate Block

The 2012 Chocolate Block Franschhoek has slightly more Syrah and less Grenache than previous vintages. The blend of 70% Syrah, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Grenache, 6% Cinsault and 1% Viognier is raised in 13% new wood, 87% in used barriques, hogsheads and 2,500-liter foudres. It has a rounded, quite sensual bouquet with pure, almost understated raspberry preserve, crushed strawberry and delicate touches of seaweed and fennel emerging with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied, quite feminine with fine tannins. This is very well-balanced and focused with superb freshness and vivacity toward the elegant finish. This is a very commercially savvy, top-class offering from Mark Kent and his team.

1,735 barrel production! 70% Syrah, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Grenache, 6% Cinsault, 1% Viognier. Funnily enough, Cabernet dominates the nose. And it does seem suddenly a bit industrial and jagged after the artisan Pinots, Cinsault and Syrahs I have just been tasting. Pinched finish. And the price has surely shot up?! This is a wine you’d be glad to find on a supermarket shelf but probably wouldn’t make a beeline for in an independent wine shop. (JR)