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Wine review: 2011 Boekenhoutskloof ‘The Chocolate Block’

2011 Boekenhoutskloof "The Chocolate Block"
2011 Boekenhoutskloof “The Chocolate Block”
(Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)
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It’s time to think about wines for cooler weather, such as this one from South Africa. Boekenhoutskloof’s “The Chocolate Block” is a red Rhone blend, like a South African version of Châteauneuf-du-Pape — Syrah-dominated but with some Cabernet. And that chocolate in the name? The flavor is woven into this warm, full-blooded wine, along with notes of coriander, black pepper and dark berries.

Have it with braised short ribs or an oxtail stew. It pairs nicely with lamb too, and if you’ve got some venison on hand, this is the wine for it.

Region: Franschhoek Coastal Region, South Africa

Price: $28 to $40

Style: Rich and full-bodied

What it goes with: Braised short ribs, oxtail stew, lamb.

Where to find it: Du Vin Wine & Spirits in West Hollywood, (310) 855-1161, www.du-vin.com; Lincoln Fine Wines in Venice, (310) 392-7816; www.lincolnfinewines.com; Manhattan Fine Wines in Manhattan Beach, (310) 374-3454, www.manhattanfinewines.com; Southern Hemisphere Wine Center in Huntington Beach, (800) 504-9463; the Wine Club in Santa Ana, (714) 835-6485, www.thewineclub.com; and Wally’s Wine & Spirits in West Los Angeles, (310) 475-0606, www.wallywine.com.

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irene.virbila@latimes.com

Follow me @sirenevirbila

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