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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)