The Chocolate Block Imperial 6L 2019
South Africa, Swartland
Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, Cabernet Sauvignon, Viognier
Description
The nose is intense and brooding with aromas of black cherries, cardamom, sweet tobacco, and subtle whiffs of perfume. The dark fruit of the nose follows through onto a complex, juicy palate with nuances of ripe plums, violets, black olives, and liquorice. The palate is focused and elegant with fine, cocoa powdery tannins. The wine is medium-bodied, balanced with an earthy, layered character, covering the spectrum of berry fruit - from tart red plums to rich blue and blackberries. The finish is svelte, clean & dry, peppery & lingering, with hints of dried cranberry, tar, graphite and smoke.
Awards
92 pts Tim Atkin
4.5 stars Platter's South African Wine Guide
88 pts Vinous by Antonio Galloni
Certifications
Alcohol
14.5%
Analytical data
dry
Vineyard
Soil Type
Shale & Mica- Schist
Winemaker
Gottfried Mocke
Viticulture
Varied viticulture techniques with Swartland almost all dry-farmed vines. Grenache and Cinsault vineyards are bush vines.
Vinification
By early accounts, 2019 is proving to be another good vintage for Syrah with pronounced black fruit flavours and a classic black olive nuance. The predominant variety (71%) displays a beautiful inkiness in the glass. The Grenache vineyards on Porseleinberg are becoming well-established, and this variety is undoubtedly the bright, perfumed star of the blend revealing an old, Châteauneuf-du-Pape-like charm. Old vine Cinsault remains an unheralded gem which effortlessly knits the wine together and establishes a refined elegance. At merely eight percent of this finite variety grown within the appellation, Cabernet Sauvignon is essential in providing structure and grip to the blend.
Syrah and Cinsault were matured in a combination of seasoned 2,500L French oak foudres and barriques. Grenache was matured in seasoned 600L demi-muids. Cabernet Sauvignon was the only component exposed to new French oak barrique. The elevage ranged between 13 & 16 months, dependant on component and vineyard parcel. 2414 barriques were selected for our 2019 vintage.
Maturation
Syrah and Cinsault were matured in a combination of seasoned 2,500L French oak foudres and barriques. Grenache was matured in seasoned 600L demi-muids. Cabernet Sauvignon was the only component exposed to new French oak barrique. The elevage ranged between 13 & 16 months, dependant on component and vineyard parcel. 2414 barriques were selected for our 2019 vintage.
