2022 The Chocolate Block

Bay leaves, currants and violets on the nose with a touch of iron. It’s medium- to full-bodied, balanced and supple. I like the herb and peppercorn freshness. Blend of 77% syrah, 9% grenache, cinsault, 5% cabernet sauvignon and 1% viognier. Drink now.

77% Syrah, 9% Grenache, 8% Cinsault, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Viognier. Only the Cabernet was aged in new French oak barriques, the rest in used oak varying from barriques to foudres for 12 to 14 months. All their own fruit now. Vegan. RS 2.9 g/l. Very deep purple. Tender touch on the nose with polished Syrah to the fore. As usual, this caresses and flatters the palate. Seems expensive to someone who remembers it at half the price but I think anyone would enjoy it and RS is under 3 g/l now. (JR)

The 2022 The Chocolate Block comprises Syrah (77%, which is slightly higher than usual), Grenache (9%), Cinsault (8%), Cabernet Sauvignon (5%) and Viognier (1%), with around 70% of the production estate-grown. It is whole berry fermented, matured in 95% used French oak using the "OXO" system to rotate the barrels. It has an attractive, well-defined bouquet with brambly red fruit, mocha and crushed violet scents (no aromas of dark chocolate). The medium-bodied palate has powdery tannins, very well-balanced and fresh, with a surprisingly tensile, engaging graphite-tinged finish. An exemplar of how to create a hugely popular brand whilst upholding quality.