2023 Damascene | New Vintage Release

This cool and caressing semillon has notes of lemon and lime peel, sliced pears, honeysuckle and beeswax. It’s medium-bodied with lively acidity on the palate and plenty of texture too. Subtly leesy.This cool and caressing semillon has notes of lemon and lime peel, sliced pears, honeysuckle and beeswax. It’s medium-bodied with lively acidity on the palate and plenty of texture too. Subtly leesy. Drink or hold. Rating: 93 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Nov 2024)

The 2023 Chenin Blanc Old Bush Vines Stellenbosch comes from vines along the Bottelary Ridge with various orientations on different soil types. In 2023, Jean Smit felt that it needed more graniticThe 2023 Chenin Blanc Old Bush Vines Stellenbosch comes from vines along the Bottelary Ridge with various orientations on different soil types. In 2023, Jean Smit felt that it needed more granitic soils in the blend. This is fresh and bright on the nose, more citrus-driven than its Swartland counterpart, with just a touch of orange pith developing with aeration. The palate is well balanced with a keen line of acidity. Touches of peach and nectarine and a hint of lemongrass lift the finish. This has a little more vigor than the Swartland this year. Drinking range: 2025 - 2035 Rating: 92 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Sept 2024)

The 2023 Chenin Blanc Swartland comes from vines planted on granite soils in 1979 and 1983, matured for 11 months in 1,000-liter oval foudres. Sulphur is only added before bottling. This has aThe 2023 Chenin Blanc Swartland comes from vines planted on granite soils in 1979 and 1983, matured for 11 months in 1,000-liter oval foudres. Sulphur is only added before bottling. This has a well-defined bouquet that’s perhaps a little more mineral-driven than the previous vintage. The palate is nicely balanced with a slightly creamy feel on the opening. There is plenty of texture here and a touch of bitter lemon on the finish. Very fine. Drinking range: 2024 - 2034 Rating: 91 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Sept 2024)

Jean Smit is a Syrah nut who can turn his hand to Cabernet Franc too. This comes from a 19-year-old block at Mooiplaas in the Bottelary Hills and is all about perfume, freshness and finesse,Jean Smit is a Syrah nut who can turn his hand to Cabernet Franc too. This comes from a 19-year-old block at Mooiplaas in the Bottelary Hills and is all about perfume, freshness and finesse, showing aromas of graphite, oregano and rose petal and a palate of plum, black cherry and wild herbs embellished by ageing in Austrian foudres. Drinking range: 2027 - 2035 Rating: 94 Tim Atkin MW, www.timatkin.com (Sept 2025)

Complex notes of cherries, iron, cloves, aniseed and grilled meat follow through to a medium-bodied, chewy and substantial palate. Lots of grip and focus plus excellent freshness. Best from 2026.Complex notes of cherries, iron, cloves, aniseed and grilled meat follow through to a medium-bodied, chewy and substantial palate. Lots of grip and focus plus excellent freshness. Best from 2026. Drinking range: 2026 - Rating: 94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Nov 2024)

A vivid and defined syrah that has aromas of pink peppercorns, raspberries, red plums and tea leaves. It’s medium-bodied, savory and fresh on the palate with a tight tannin frame. Lots of energy. TryA vivid and defined syrah that has aromas of pink peppercorns, raspberries, red plums and tea leaves. It’s medium-bodied, savory and fresh on the palate with a tight tannin frame. Lots of energy. Try from 2025. Drinking range: 2025 - Rating: 94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Nov 2024)

A very fresh and elegant syrah that has fragrant thyme, sour-cherry, wild-raspberry and balsamic aromas. It’s medium-bodied, silky and bright. Delightful. Drink now or hold.A very fresh and elegant syrah that has fragrant thyme, sour-cherry, wild-raspberry and balsamic aromas. It’s medium-bodied, silky and bright. Delightful. Drink now or hold. Rating: 93 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Nov 2024)