2023 Damascene | New Vintage Release

2023 DAMASCENE Semillon Franschhoek
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)
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2023 DAMASCENE Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch
Jean Smit gets his Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc from three old-vine parcels in the Bottelary Hills on shale, Greywacke and granite soils. Mealy, waxy and stony, it's a savoury, bone-dry expressionJean Smit gets his Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc from three old-vine parcels in the Bottelary Hills on shale, Greywacke and granite soils. Mealy, waxy and stony, it's a savoury, bone-dry expression of the variety with lime and yellow apple flavours and a refreshing mineral core. The Stockinger foudres add a sheen of class. Drinking range: 2025 - 2031 Rating: 94 Tim Atkin MW, www.timatkin.com (Sept 2025)
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2023 DAMASCENE Chenin Blanc Swartland
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)
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2023 DAMASCENE Cabernet Franc Stellenbosch
Chopped herbs, cranberries, wild raspberries, coffee beans and sweet paprika on the nose of this fragrant and pretty red. It’s medium-bodied on the palate with very fine, powdery tannins. Layered andChopped herbs, cranberries, wild raspberries, coffee beans and sweet paprika on the nose of this fragrant and pretty red. It’s medium-bodied on the palate with very fine, powdery tannins. Layered and delicious. Drink or hold. Rating: 93 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Nov 2024)
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2023 DAMASCENE Syrah Stellenbosch
Taut, broody and spicy, the peppery red savoury nature of the fruit speaks of Karibib’s class and stature. 75% whole cluster, with the rest whole berry. Kept on the stems for 3 weeks max before beingTaut, broody and spicy, the peppery red savoury nature of the fruit speaks of Karibib’s class and stature. 75% whole cluster, with the rest whole berry. Kept on the stems for 3 weeks max before being pressed into 2000 litre Stockinger foudre vats for 10 to 11 months. Planted 300m above sea level in 1996, 14kms from the False Bay. A complex melange of sultry red peppercorns, Asian five spice, star anis, and sweet savoury potpourri notes. The palate is pure, taut, and tightly wound with the most incredibly fine grained tannins, silky mouthfeel and savoury, mineral weightless fruit concentration on the finish. Intensity over concentration of weight. Really very classy and grown up. Rating: 95+ Greg Sherwood MW (Nov 2024)
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2023 DAMASCENE Syrah Swartland
Jean Smit's Swartland Syrah is a 90/10 blend from Kasteelberg and Jakkalsfontein, located on schist and granite soils, respectively. Stony, sappy and intense, it has fynbos and garrigue aromas,Jean Smit's Swartland Syrah is a 90/10 blend from Kasteelberg and Jakkalsfontein, located on schist and granite soils, respectively. Stony, sappy and intense, it has fynbos and garrigue aromas, understated oak from large Austrian foudres, plenty of grip and acidity, fig and black olive flavours and a waft of brine and kelp. 2026-34 Drinking range: 2026 - 2034 Rating: 97 Tim Atkin MW, www.timatkin.com (Sept 2025)
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2023 DAMASCENE Syrah Ceres Plateau
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)
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