2023 Damascene | New Vintage Release

Hailing from vines planted in 1942 and 1962, the 2023 Sémillon Franschhoek suffered some sunburn that had to be sorted out, so there is less quantity this year. Matured for 11 months in oval AustrianHailing from vines planted in 1942 and 1962, the 2023 Sémillon Franschhoek suffered some sunburn that had to be sorted out, so there is less quantity this year. Matured for 11 months in oval Austrian vats with zero malo (like the previous vintage), this expresses the variety with style—very well defined and quite mineral-driven. The palate is precise with a silver bead of acidity. A touch of white pepper and wilted white flowers gradually builds toward a lively and harmonious finish, leaving behind a hint of chai. Excellent. Drinking range: 2025 - 2038 Rating: 93 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Sept 2024)

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)

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)

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)

This amazing Syrah used to have a 10% component from the Bottelary Hills, but is now a pure expression of the Karibib farm in the Polkadraai Hills, already the source of some of the Cape's bestThis amazing Syrah used to have a 10% component from the Bottelary Hills, but is now a pure expression of the Karibib farm in the Polkadraai Hills, already the source of some of the Cape's best reds. Matured in large foudres to give the site maximum expression, it has aromas of lavender, rosemary and incense, effortless concentration, blackberry, liquorice and tapenade flavours and remarkable energy, vibrancy and focus. Drinking range: 2027 - 2035 Rating: 98 Tim Atkin MW, www.timatkin.com (Sept 2025)

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)

Vines planted on Bokkeveld shale at 1,050 metres altitude. 60% whole bunch with full submerged cap for 10 days. 2000 litre conical vats for 10 to 11 months ageing. The aromatics are earthy andVines planted on Bokkeveld shale at 1,050 metres altitude. 60% whole bunch with full submerged cap for 10 days. 2000 litre conical vats for 10 to 11 months ageing. The aromatics are earthy and brambly, full of wild flowers, lilac, red apple, wet loam, and damson plum with delicate sweet orange peel and black cherry nuances. The palate is sleek and silky, beautifully polished and fine with intense fine grained tannins, weightless zero gravity fruit concentration and a chalky, gravelly, dusty, minerality on the finish. A unique expression of Syrah. Rating: 94 Greg Sherwood MW (Nov 2024)