Damascene new releases

Damascene winemaker Jean Smit.

Damascene, the partnership between winemaker Jean Smit and David Curl, former owner of Bordeaux’s Chateau Gaby, appeared on the scene with its maiden-vintage 2018 wines, and has quickly established itself as one of South Africa’s very best producers. The new releases are imminent, and the overall high quality is once again astounding. Tasting notes and ratings as follows (all wines R535 a bottle):

Damascene W.O. Swartland Chenin Blanc 2023
Grapes from three Paardeberg vineyards, planted in 1971, 1973 and 1983 respectively. All white wines matured for 11 months in 1,000-litre vats. A hint of reduction before lime, lemon, peach and floral perfume. Great purity of fruit, lively but well integrated acidity and a lightly grippy finish. A harmonious wine that has substance and texture but also no shortage of vitality. Plenty of detail. Alc: 13.26%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Damascene W.O. Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 2023
Grapes from three Bottelary vineyards, planted in 1972, 1981 and 1982 respectively. Subtle aromatics of stone fruit, soft citrus, ginger and other spice. Relatively rich and round with tangy acidity and a gently savoury finish. Alc: 13.67%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Damascene Semillon 2023
85% Semillon, 15% Semillon Gris. Grapes from two Franschhoek vineyards, one planted in 1942 and the other in 1962. Elusive aromatics of hay and a touch of fennel before citrus, peach and nectarine. Broad but not listless – pleasing weight and texture, soft but sufficient acidity, the finish gently savoury. Makes for especially satisfying drinking. Alc: 13.41%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Damascene W.O. Swartland Syrah 2023
75% of grapes from a Kasteelberg vineyard on schist, 25% from a Paardeberg vineyard on granite. 75% whole-bunch fermentation. All three examples of Syrah matured for 11 months in 2,000-litre oak vats. A touch of gunsmoke before rose, herbs, cherry, raspberry, orange and white pepper on the nose. Medium bodied with fresh acidity and powdery tannins, the finish very dry. Elegant and restrained. Alc: 12.93%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Damascene W.O. Stellenbosch Syrah 2023
80% of grapes from Polkadraai Hills, 20% from Bottelary. 75% whole-bunch fermentation. Evocative aromatics of red and black berries, coriander, fynbos, floral perfume and white pepper. Great fruit purity, vibrant acidity and powdery tannins. Pure, energetic and so very drinkable. Lovely composure – all of a piece. Alc: 13.08%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Damascene W.O. Cere Plateau Syrah 2023
60% whole-bunch fermentation. Flowers, red cherry and white pepper on the nose. The palate is light-bodied and tightly coiled – great fruit definition, lemon-like acidity and chalky tannins. A wine of pin-point accuracy. Alc: 12.58%.

CE’s rating: 97/100.

Damascene Cabernet Franc 2023
Grapes from a Bottelary vineyard planted in 2004. Matured for 11 months in a 1,000 litre vat. Red berries, rose and tomato leaf on the nose. Light bodied yet succulent with fresh acidity and fine tannins. Alc: 13.21%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Damascene Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
75% of grapes from Vlottenburg (near Polkadraai Hills) and 25% from Helderberg. Matured for 11 months in barriques, of which 50% were new, before being transferred to 2,000-litre vats for a further nine months. Initially some rubbery reduction but this blows off to reveal red and black berries, violets, fresh herbs and a hint of vanilla. The palate is rich but not overdone – dense fruit, moderate acidity and smooth, supple tannins, the finish long and dry.  Alc: 14.17%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

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