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)

Made from a 1981 vineyard planted on decomposed granite soils on the Mooiplaas farm as well as another block on the neighbouring farm grown on Greywacke soils planted in 1972. Lastly, some fruit fromMade from a 1981 vineyard planted on decomposed granite soils on the Mooiplaas farm as well as another block on the neighbouring farm grown on Greywacke soils planted in 1972. Lastly, some fruit from a plot on the Sonop farm grown on pure shale, facing towards Jonkershoek and the Swartland in direction. Reveals quite a taut, steely, crystalline style with white citrus, stone fruits, lemon and lime peel with green melon, musk, and a pineapple bon bon lift. The palate is fleshy and rounded with beautiful depth and opulence interwoven with granitic wet stone notes, hints of crushed gravel, and a bright crystalline succulence. Impressive concentration, a wonderfully creamy, harmonious mouthfeel and a long, yellow and green fruited length. So pure and pristine. This is a masterclass in finessed winemaking. Rating: 95+ Greg Sherwood MW (Nov 2024)

This is a gorgeous wine, luminous and proud. The Damascene 2023 Swartland Chenin Blanc (with 2,970 bottles created) opens to a linear presentation based on sweet citrus, bergamot and honeydew melon.This is a gorgeous wine, luminous and proud. The Damascene 2023 Swartland Chenin Blanc (with 2,970 bottles created) opens to a linear presentation based on sweet citrus, bergamot and honeydew melon. The focus of the wine is intense, and it remains elegant throughout with a medium build and salty or mineral nuances to close. At the end of a day of wine tasting in my office, I choose my favorite bottle to bring back home for dinner. This was that bottle. Fruit comes from granite soil vineyards planted in 1979 and 1983. Whole-cluster fruit is delicately pressed. It ages in Austrian oval oak for 11 months. Rating: 96 Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate (www.robertparker.com) (Jun 2025)

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)

The 2023 Syrah Ceres Plateau comes from Bokkeveld shale soils, planted at 1,000 meters in elevation and picked the day before the harvest rains. It incorporates 60% whole cluster and submerged capThe 2023 Syrah Ceres Plateau comes from Bokkeveld shale soils, planted at 1,000 meters in elevation and picked the day before the harvest rains. It incorporates 60% whole cluster and submerged cap maceration to soften the tannins, taken off the skins a little quicker than the other Syrahs. This has a "cool" bouquet, tightly wound at first but unfolding with black fruit, black olive, a touch of garrigue and melted tar. Very Old World in style, the palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins on the entry. Finely balanced, the 2023 is more compact on the finish than the Stellenbosch cuvée, therefore I would afford this three or four years in bottle. Drinking range: 2027 - 2042 Rating: 93 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Sept 2024)