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)

With fruit from old bush vines, the Damascene 2023 Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc is luminous and bright with lifted aromas of quince, peach and summer-ripe apricot. A little motto on the back labelWith fruit from old bush vines, the Damascene 2023 Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc is luminous and bright with lifted aromas of quince, peach and summer-ripe apricot. A little motto on the back label reads, "less cult, more cultivation." That adequately sums up the philosophy of this detail-minded estate. The wine is incredibly linear and precise. The vineyards have granite, graywacke sandstone and shale soils and were planted in phases in 1972, 1980 and 1981. This release of 2,985 bottles matures in 1,000-liter oval Austrian oak vats for 11 months. This is a beauty. Rating: 95 Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate (www.robertparker.com) (Jun 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)

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)

From a site with 75% shale and schist and 25% granite soils, the Damascene 2023 Swartland Syrah is a tense and vibrant expression underpinned by a floral lining that reminds me of rose potpourri. ItFrom a site with 75% shale and schist and 25% granite soils, the Damascene 2023 Swartland Syrah is a tense and vibrant expression underpinned by a floral lining that reminds me of rose potpourri. It shows spice, black fruit and black olive over a mid-weight texture. Nothing about the wine is too heavy. In fact, this expression embraces an elegantly caressing approach. Fermentation sees 75% whole cluster with partial submerged cap in concrete tanks. The wine matures in 2,000-liter Austrian oak vats for 11 months. Production is 3,913 bottles. Rating: 95 Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate (www.robertparker.com) (Jun 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)