DAMASCENE
2020 Syrah Stellenbosch
| Grapes | Syrah |
| Colour | Red |
| Origin | South Africa, Stellenbosch |
| Village | Stellenbosch |
| ABV | 13% |
13% alcohol. For the Syrah from Stellenbosch they went out and bought fruit from 15 different sites to try to nail the 1997 Boekenhoutskloof style. ‘The style is out there,’ says Jean, ‘but people either throw too much oak at it or pick it too late.’ From these 15 they picked two sites, both on granite. One in Bottleray (North facing), the other in Karibib (Polkadraai, south facing). ‘Five days into fermentation we signed up for five years with the option of 10 years.’ This is matured in Austrian foudres. Floral black cherry, meat, spice and pepper on the nose, with some dried herbs. The palate has concentration and focus, and lots of structure underneath the taut black cherry and blackberry fruit. Keen acidity allied to the structure, giving a slightly tight and initially unyielding quality, but patience is rewarded. Has lovely acidity as well as the ripe but taut fruit, and lovely cured meat savouriness. A special example of Syrah: I look forward to seeing this develop in bottle. 95/100 (JG) Rating: 95 Jamie Goode, www.wineanorak.com (Sept 2023)
Alternatively, we may well have some bottles in one of our shops - why not give us a call on 0207 244 0522 or send an email to: sales@leaandsandeman.co.uk.
Or, check the RELATED PRODUCTS below for different vintages or wines of a similar style.
One of a trio of delicious Syrahs under the Damascene label, this Stellenbosch cuvée marries grapes from the Bottelary Hills, Devon Valley and the Polkadraai Hills. Spicy and intense, with clove and violet perfume, refreshingly low alcohol, understated wood and flavours of blackberry, wood smoke and charcuterie. Drinking range: 2023 - 2030 Rating: 94 Tim Atkin MW, www.timatkin.com (Sept 2022)
The 2020 Syrah is predominantly from the Karibib vineyard in Stellenbosch, plus sites in Devon Valley and Bottelary. Batches are whole cluster fermented and aged in oak foudres. It is opulent on the nose, though still well defined with cassis fruit, touches of violet and iris flower, very pure and perfumed. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins, extremely well judged acidity, understated at first yet building in the mouth with white pepper and fennel towards the persistent finish. Maybe it is just missing a touch of grip but it should drink well over the next decade. Drinking range: 2023 - 2036 Rating: 92 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Aug 2022)
Scented, silky, spicy and floral. Made in the clouds, a large component of this Syrah hails from Karibib, a granitic site at the very top ridge of the Stellenbosch farm. A weather system informs the grapes growing here; a regular occurring cloud formation is drawn in from the Atlantic Ocean and only covers this specific site. The diffused light and cool temperatures safeguard the intense aromatic quality of the fruit; dark-green coiled garrigue, jasmine, violets, and white pepper scents, livened by fresh cherries and wild strawberries. Fruit from the Bottelary ward brings structure and backbone, adding an inky depth of black fruit; while Devon Valley grapes give refreshing lift and linear acidity. The clarity of fruit is underscored by charcuterie spice and grapefruit pith, driven along a granular grip of tannins. Just a hint of bitter cherry on the composed, detailed finish.Winemaker's notes (Feb 2022)
Damascene
Damascene is a seriously exciting new find for us in South Africa. Their maiden vintage here was 2018 and we were blown away by the results. 2019, their second vintage was sold out on release, read the press release HERE.
The highly acclaimed Jean Smit, previously winemaker at Boekenhoutskloof, has teamed up with David Curl, former owner of Bordeaux’s Chateau Gaby.
Their goal is to explore all across the South African winelands in search of exceptional sites. Sites that deliver an important moment of insight, and hence the name of the project. A Damascene moment of clarity, where we can all understand the greatness of these small, prized plots.
The vineyards are old and well established but small, so each of these brilliant wines is only released in very small quantities. We urge you to catch them while you can.
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RELATED PRODUCTS
2021 DAMASCENE Syrah Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch South Africa 13% Red
Syrah.
Dark-fruited and mineral-driven with a peppery and dusty nose of cherry blossom and spiced plum essence, the 2021 Stellenbosch Syrah will need some additional time in the bottle. Medium-bodied, the palate is agile and fr...(read more)
Anthony Mueller, The Wine Advocate
2021 DAMASCENE Cabernet Franc Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch South Africa 13.5% Red
Cabernet Franc.
Beginning floral and red-fruited, the 2021 Stellenbosch Cabernet Franc sways with elegance and finesse, offering lively notes of roasted red bell pepper and smoked plums. Medium-bodied and with 13% alcohol, this will do...(read more)
Anthony Mueller, The Wine AdvocateORDER COLLECT
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