2023 Damascene | New Vintage Release

Fruit from the Goederust farm from a plot planted in 1962 and from a second plot planted in 1942 from a nearby farm on decomposed granite and sandstone soils. 100% Austrian foudre of 1000 litres usedFruit from the Goederust farm from a plot planted in 1962 and from a second plot planted in 1942 from a nearby farm on decomposed granite and sandstone soils. 100% Austrian foudre of 1000 litres used with both blocks containing some Semillon Gris. Same production method as the Chenin Blanc, with 11 months on its lees being careful to avoid too much reduction. “Getting the picking window right is crucial based more on the pH than acidity” according to Jean. The aromatics are dusty and floral with white blossom, lemon peel, lemon grass, hints of dried herbs, buttered white toast, delicate wood spice and a cashew nut complexity. Supremely cool, creamy and seamless, with lemon butter, a soft fleshy mouthfeel, tangerine peel, honied peaches, and a crystalline purity on the finish with a tangy kiss of citrus. Really excellent as always. Rating: 96 Greg Sherwood MW (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)

A bright and lively white that has notes of sliced pears, yellow apples, chamomile and minerals. It’s medium- to full-bodied with gentle phenolics and steely tension underneath. Drink now or hold.A bright and lively white that has notes of sliced pears, yellow apples, chamomile and minerals. It’s medium- to full-bodied with gentle phenolics and steely tension underneath. Drink now or hold. Rating: 93 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Nov 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)

The 2023 Syrah Stellenbosch comes from the Karibib Vineyard. It was vinified with 75% whole clusters, with light pump-overs conducted twice a year without breaking the berries. This has aThe 2023 Syrah Stellenbosch comes from the Karibib Vineyard. It was vinified with 75% whole clusters, with light pump-overs conducted twice a year without breaking the berries. This has a sophisticated, garrigue-scented bouquet that is very seductive, complex and beautifully defined, just like the previous vintage. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, allowing that garrigue note to blossom with aeration. Very poised and persistent through the finish, this is one of the best Syrahs you will find from Stellenbosch. Drinking range: 2026 - 2042 Rating: 95 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Sept 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)