2021 DAMASCENE Semillon Stellenbosch, Lea & Sandeman

DAMASCENE

2021 Semillon Franschhoek

IN STOCK
Grapes Sémillon
Colour White
Origin South Africa
Village Franschhoek
ABV 13%

This is from bush vines planted in 1942, matured in foudres. There is 15% Semillon Gris in this block, co-fermented. Complex and finely spiced with a mineral twist. So textural with ripe pear and apple fruit, showing some richness on the palate. This has concentration and richness but finishes fresh with some fine spices. So linear and precise, and slightly salty on the finish. 96/100 (JG) Rating: 96 Jamie Goode, www.wineanorak.com (Sept 2023)

*Case price discount: Mix any 12 bottles of wine (or 9 litre equivalent) or 6 bottles of Champagne, Spirits, Sweet Wine or Fortified (4.5 litres) to get the discounted 'case price' for each bottle.

"My desert island wine", is how Jean Smit describes this Franschhoek Semillon, sourced from two old vine parcels planted in 1942 and 1962, respectively. Subtle nutmeg and saffron aromas segue into a palate that combines notes of kelp, oyster shell and beeswax with undertones of aniseed and white pepper and some tannin from 15% Semillon Gris. Drinking range: 2024 - 2029 Rating: 94 Tim Atkin MW, www.timatkin.com (Sept 2023)

Tasting the entire range with the winemaker, I immediately got the sense that you don’t want to be too hasty in opening and drinking these beautiful wines. Such is the case with the 2021 Sémillon. I find myself slowing down and listening to the wine as it opens up to reveal its secrets. It’s currently slightly shy in the glass, offering nutty aromas with notes of lemon pastry cream, lees and dusty citrus blossoms. Medium-bodied and with 13.5% alcohol, it offers elegant acidity while possessing excellent cohesion across the palate, revealing a kiss of phenolic bitterness that slowly transitions into a delightfully long, spicy finish. Upon the second sip, the length and finish of this wine are mind-bogglingly long! I can’t keep my nose out of the glass as this beautiful wine keeps a smile on my face! Drinking range: 2024 - 2041 Rating: 95 Anthony Mueller, The Wine Advocate (Dec 2023)

From two Franschhoek vineyards, one planted in 1942 and the other in 1962. Maturation as above. Subtle aromatics of dried flowers, citrus, peach, blackcurrant, hay and some waxiness. Nice palate weight, slightly greasy texture and coated acidity. Well balanced with plenty of detail and a gently savoury finish. Rating: 94 www.winemag.co.za (Oct 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.

This wine isn't currently part of a mixed case, but you can always browse our full selection of mixed cases here.
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