We’re delighted to bring you the ‘astounding’ sixth release from Damascene. In partnership with David Curl, Jean Smit has created a project with a simple aim: to make the best regional expressions from distinct terroirs across SA. According to the team, the project was ‘born to express the way that man and place collaborate to form a narrative’, and they’re continuously raising the bar.
Echoing the incredible rise and rise of the variety in South Africa, the Stellenbosch Syrah 2023 is one of the most delicious wines released this year, capturing the essence of the Polkadraai’s granitic soils. The Ceres Plateau Syrah 2023 is all inward, cool climate and brooding, typical of high-altitude fruit, while the Swartland Syrah 2023 reflects the savoury, Campari-laced power of the region.
The Damascene Cabernet Franc 2023, from a Bottelary vineyard, is beautifully poised, light-footed and elegant, and the Damascene Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 is an exquisite wine, balancing freshness, red and black fruit concentration, and a coiled tannic structure.
Damascene Sémillon 2023 showcases Jean’s particular affinity for this variety. This is a superb release, produced from two old vineyards planted in 1942 and 1960. It has an exciting and layered palate and is an absolute triumph!
Rounding out this remarkable set of wines are Damascene’s brilliant Chenin Blancs. The Swartland Chenin Blanc 2023, from granitic soils, has a creamy texture underscored by focused acidity, while the taut Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 2023 shows pear skin, lemon, lime and a salty undertow, ending with a round, fuller finish.
All of these releases are produced in limited quantities.
Tasting Notes:
Damascene W.O. Swartland Chenin Blanc 2023
‘Grapes from three Paardeberg vineyards, planted in 1971, 1973 and 1983 respectively. All white wines matured for 11 months in 1,000-litre vats. A hint of reduction before lime, lemon, peach and floral perfume. Great purity of fruit, lively but well integrated acidity and a lightly grippy finish. A harmonious wine that has substance and texture but also no shortage of vitality. Plenty of detail. Alc: 13.26%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100
Damascene W.O. Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 2023
‘Grapes from three Bottelary vineyards, planted in 1972, 1981 and 1982 respectively. Subtle aromatics of stone fruit, soft citrus, ginger and other spice. Relatively rich and round with tangy acidity and a gently savoury finish. Alc: 13.67%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 94/100
Damascene W.O. Franschhoek Sémillon 2023
‘85% Semillon, 15% Semillon Gris. Grapes from two Franschhoek vineyards, one planted in 1942 and the other in 1962. Elusive aromatics of hay and a touch of fennel before citrus, peach and nectarine. Broad but not listless – pleasing weight and texture, soft but sufficient acidity, the finish gently savoury. Makes for especially satisfying drinking. Alc: 13.41%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100
Damascene W.O. Stellenbosch Syrah 2023
‘80% of grapes from Polkadraai Hills, 20% from Bottelary. 75% whole-bunch fermentation. Evocative aromatics of red and black berries, coriander, fynbos, floral perfume and white pepper. Great fruit purity, vibrant acidity and powdery tannins. Pure, energetic and so very drinkable. Lovely composure – all of a piece. Alc: 13.08%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 96/100
Damascene W.O. Swartland Syrah 2023
‘75% of grapes from a Kasteelberg vineyard on schist, 25% from a Paardeberg vineyard on granite. 75% whole-bunch fermentation. All three examples of Syrah matured for 11 months in 2,000-litre oak vats. A touch of gunsmoke before rose, herbs, cherry, raspberry, orange and white pepper on the nose. Medium bodied with fresh acidity and powdery tannins, the finish very dry. Elegant and restrained. Alc: 12.93%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 94/100
Damascene W.O. Ceres Plateau Syrah 2023
‘60% whole-bunch fermentation. Flowers, red cherry and white pepper on the nose. The palate is light-bodied and tightly coiled – great fruit definition, lemon-like acidity and chalky tannins. A wine of pin-point accuracy. Alc: 12.58%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 97/100
Damascene W.O. Stellenbosch Cabernet Franc 2023
‘Grapes from a Bottelary vineyard planted in 2004. Matured for 11 months in a 1,000 litre vat. Red berries, rose and tomato leaf on the nose. Light bodied yet succulent with fresh acidity and fine tannins. Alc: 13.21%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 93/100
Damascene W.O. Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
‘75% of grapes from Vlottenburg (near Polkadraai Hills) and 25% from Helderberg. Matured for 11 months in barriques, of which 50% were new, before being transferred to 2,000-litre vats for a further nine months. Initially some rubbery reduction but this blows off to reveal red and black berries, violets, fresh herbs and a hint of vanilla. The palate is rich but not overdone – dense fruit, moderate acidity and smooth, supple tannins, the finish long and dry. Alc: 14.17%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 94/100
