2023 Damascene | New Vintage Release


This is a pre-shipment/primeur offer. All orders are accepted under the TERMS of this offer which differ from the terms of the rest of the site.

2023 DAMASCENE Semillon Franschhoek

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)

75cl bottles, case of 6

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2023 DAMASCENE Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch

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)

75cl bottles, case of 6

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2023 DAMASCENE Chenin Blanc Swartland

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)

75cl bottles, case of 6

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2023 DAMASCENE Cabernet Franc Stellenbosch

2023 DAMASCENE Cabernet Franc Stellenbosch

From a plot sourced from the Mooiplaas Farm. Shows complex aromatics of mint leaf, sweet leaf spice and a delicate herbaceousness, with an underlying tilled earth note, earthy red currant fruit,From a plot sourced from the Mooiplaas Farm. Shows complex aromatics of mint leaf, sweet leaf spice and a delicate herbaceousness, with an underlying tilled earth note, earthy red currant fruit, dusty minerality and subtle minty chocolate peppermint crisp nuances. The palate is cool and sleek, intense yet beautifully seductive and elegant, with velvety creamy tannins and a tangy, delicately fresh acidity. An atypical Cabernet Franc but utterly delicious! Rating: 94 Greg Sherwood MW (Nov 2024)

75cl bottles, case of 6

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2023 DAMASCENE Syrah Stellenbosch

2023 DAMASCENE Syrah Stellenbosch

Complex notes of cherries, iron, cloves, aniseed and grilled meat follow through to a medium-bodied, chewy and substantial palate. Lots of grip and focus plus excellent freshness. Best from 2026.Complex notes of cherries, iron, cloves, aniseed and grilled meat follow through to a medium-bodied, chewy and substantial palate. Lots of grip and focus plus excellent freshness. Best from 2026. Drinking range: 2026 - Rating: 94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Nov 2024)

75cl bottles, case of 6

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2023 DAMASCENE Syrah Swartland

2023 DAMASCENE Syrah Swartland

Dry land farmed from an east facing plot next to Goldmine and Roundstone with soils that are a mixture of brown shale and schist. Another 20% of fruit added from a granitic site on the JakkalsfonteinDry land farmed from an east facing plot next to Goldmine and Roundstone with soils that are a mixture of brown shale and schist. Another 20% of fruit added from a granitic site on the Jakkalsfontein farm with a 75% whole cluster portion. The aromatics show a lofty, piercing perfume, intensity and florality with violets, rose petals, waxy crayons, incense, potpourri, and vibrant red berries, cranberry, wild strawberry and pithy red currant fruits. The minerality is beautifully chalky with a graphite vein and a pithy, wet river pebble complexity. Seamless balance, harmonious and incredibly well made, finishing with a seductive black olive and red bramble berry intensity. Superb! Rating: 96 Greg Sherwood MW (Nov 2024)

75cl bottles, case of 6

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2023 DAMASCENE Syrah Ceres Plateau

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)

75cl bottles, case of 6

In Bond