This is the seventh release from Damascene – one of the defining voices in South African fine wine. Founded by Jean Smit and David Curl, their aim is to produce the best regional expressions from distinct terroirs across SA. Each bottle is pure, elegant, and destined for both the cellar and the table.
2024 was a winemaker’s vintage and, according to Jean, the latest releases show ‘greater depth, concentration and structure’. If you love precision and longevity (5–15 years), look to their Stellenbosch and Ceres Syrahs as well as to their Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc. For early sumptuous appeal (3–5 years), the Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon will delight you in the near-term.
The Franschhoek Semillon 2024 stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the valley’s greatest. From two venerable old vineyards, it’s tightly wound and nuanced – a must-have for serious Cape White collectors.
The Stellenbosch Cabernet Franc 2024 and Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 are modern, elegant takes on Bordeaux varieties. They’re succulent and approachable, yet structured for the long haul.
Their regional Syrahs show once again why this is the Cape’s most thrilling grape. The Ceres Plateau Syrah 2024 is precise, vibrant and lithe, while the Swartland Syrah 2024 is supple and elegant, with brooding depth beneath its polish. Rounding out the trio, the Stellenbosch (Polkadraai) Syrah 2024 is nothing short of a Cape benchmark. Sourced entirely from Karibib, it’s remarkably concentrated, layered and composed.
Damascene’s Chenin Blancs join the category’s top echelon this year. The Stellenbosch Chenin is taut, stylish and composed, and the Swartland Chenin shows textbook Paardeberg power, with weight and drive balanced by striking acidity. Together they underscore the Damascene mission: to showcase exceptional vineyards through precision and craft.
Tasting Notes:
Damascene W.O. Swartland Chenin Blanc 2024
‘Three Paardeberg vineyards (1971, 1979, 1983). Honeysuckle, lemon, orange, yellow peach, ginger and wax. Dense fruit, striking acidity and grippy finish. Impressive weight, texture and drive. Alc: 12.53%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 96/100
Damascene W.O. Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 2024
‘Three Bottelary vineyards (1972, 1981, 1982). Reticent nose of pear, peach, citrus, earth and herbs. Intricate, elegant palate with fresh acidity and a long, dry finish. Stylish and composed. Alc: 12.7%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100
Damascene W.O. Franschhoek Semillon 2024
‘85% Semillon, 15% Semillon Gris. Two old vineyards (1942 & 1962). Aromatics of hay, pear, peach, nectarine and a touch of earth. Dense fruit and well-integrated acidity before a savoury, slightly grippy finish. Sophisticated, tightly wound and nuanced. Alc: 12.8%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100
Damascene W.O. Stellenbosch Syrah 2024
‘Exclusively from Karibib (Polkadraai). 75% whole-bunch fermentation. Complex aromatics: violets, rose, fynbos, red and black berries, orange zest, earth and pepper. Concentrated, with lemon-like acidity and firm tannins. Persistent, deeply savoury finish. Remarkable composure and layers of flavour. Alc: 13.4%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 98/100
Damascene W.O. Swartland Syrah 2024
‘90% Kasteelberg schist, 10% Paardeberg granite. 75% whole-bunch. Pretty red berry aromatics, floral perfume, fynbos, white pepper. Elegant palate, powdery tannins, impeccably balanced. Pure and polished. Alc: 12.84%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 94/100
Damascene W.O. Ceres Plateau Syrah 2024
‘60% whole-bunch. Red & black cherry, potpourri, white pepper. Lithe palate, bright acidity, fine tannins, dry finish. Vibrant and precise. Alc: 12.86%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100
Damascene W.O. Ceres Stellenbosch Cabernet Franc 2024
‘Bottelary vineyard (2004). Aromatics of red and black berries, floral perfume, earth, crushed leaves and spice. Light and sappy with pure fruit, bright acidity, fine tannins. Harmonious and well judged. Alc: 13.37%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 93/100
Damascene W.O. Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
‘Vlottenburg & Helderberg (granite). 11 months in barriques (40% new), then 7 months in large oak. Raspberry, cassis, tobacco, subtle vanilla & spice. Vivid fruit, energising acidity, fine tannins. Succulent and approachable, yet structured for ageing. Alc: 13.38%.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100
