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DAMASCENE

2022 Syrah Stellenbosch

IN STOCK
Grapes Syrah
Colour Red
Origin South Africa, Stellenbosch
Village Stellenbosch
ABV 13.5%

鈥淪yrah is in my blood," says Jean Smit, and it shows. This is one of a trio of brilliant examples of the variety, combining grapes from the Polkadraai Hills with 20% from Bottelary. Bloody, intense, brooding and almost indecently aromatic, it's a tribute to the great reds of the northern Rh么ne, with plenty of granitic grip, tapenade, liquorice and blackberry flavours and the structure and focus to age beautifully in bottle. Drinking range: 2027 - 2040 Rating: 97 Tim Atkin MW, www.timatkin.com (Sept 2024)

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The 2022 Syrah from Karabib is 75% whole clusters matured for 11 months in 2,000-liter Austrian oak. This elegant nose of incense and pressed violets infuses the vivacious melange of black and blue fruit. The medium-bodied palate has fine structure, slightly chalky in texture, with real backbone and density, yet the elegance floods through on the black pepper and clove-infused finish. Very persistent in the mouth. Tuck bottles away for several years as this is a serious Syrah sculpted by its cooler microclimate. Drinking range: 2028 - 2048 Rating: 95 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (Aug 2023)

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鈥檚 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.

New vs Old World Mixed Case

This case is our very own 'Judgement of Paris' - take a journey and see how the New World takes on the Old World homelands of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah.

Super South African Wines

The Cape winelands offer an ideal environment for grape growing and South Africa is, currently, offering outstanding value for the wine lover. Here's a tasty selection to tickle your tastebuds.

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