Damascene new releases

According to Jean Smit of Damascene, the 2024 vintage was marked by wind during flowering, which reduced yields, while harvest brought a narrower picking window – earlier and more compressed across regions and cultivars. The outcome, he says, is wines with “greater depth, concentration and structure”. All new releases sell for R575 a bottle.

Franschhoek Semillon 2024
85% Semillon, 15% Semillon Gris. Grapes from two Franschhoek vineyards, one planted in 1942 and the other in 1962. Subtle and alluring aromatics of hay, pear, peach, nectarine and a touch of earth. Dense fruit and well integrated acidity before a finish that is gently savoury and ever so slightly grippy. Sophisticated – tightly wound and wonderfully nuanced. Alc: 12.8%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 2024
Grapes from three Bottelary vineyards, planted in 1972, 1981 and 1982 respectively. The nose is somewhat reticent with delicate notes of pear, peach, citrus, earth and herbs. The palate is intricate and elegant – good clarity of fruit and fresh acidity before a finish that’s long and dry. Stylish and composed, with no element dominating. Alc: 12.7%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Swartland Chenin Blanc 2024
Grapes from three Paardeberg vineyards, planted in 1971, 1979 and 1983 respectively. Honeysuckle, lemon, orange, yellow peach, a hint of ginger and a little waxy complexity on the nose. The palate shows dense fruit cut by striking acidity before a grippy finish. Full of flavour, impressive weight and texture but also lots of drive. Alc: 12.53%.

CE’s rating: 96/100.

Stellenbosch Syrah 2024
Sourced exclusively from Karibib farm in Polkadraai Hills for the first time, with 75% whole-bunch fermentation. The nose is complex, showing violets, wilted rose, fynbos, red and black berries, orange zest, earth and pepper. The palate is intensely concentrated with lemon-like acidity and firm, tightly knit tannins, leading to a persistent and deeply savoury finish. A thrilling wine with remarkable composure, layers and layers of flavour and plenty of energy. Alc: 13.4%.

CE’s rating: 98/100.

Swartland Syrah 2024
90% of grapes from a Kasteelberg vineyard on schist, 10% from a Paardeberg vineyard on granite. 75% whole-bunch fermentation. Pretty aromatics of red berries, floral perfume, fynbos and white pepper. The palate is elegant and finely etched, the tannins powdery and supple. Pure and impeccably balanced, though perhaps edging toward polish over personality. Alc: 12.84%.

CE’s rating: 94/100.

Ceres Plateau Syrah 2024
60% whole-bunch fermentation. Red and black cherry, potpourri and white pepper on the nose. Good clarity of fruit, bright acidity and fine tannins, the finish nicely dry. Vibrant, light and lithe. Alc: 12.86%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Stellenbosch Cabernet Franc 2024
From a Bottelary vineyard planted in 2004. Aromatics of red and black berries, floral perfume, and subtle notes of earth, crushed leaves and spice. The palate is light and sappy, showing pure fruit expression, bright acidity and fine tannins. Harmonious and well judged, with nothing out of place. Alc: 13.37%.

CE’s rating: 93/100.

Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Grapes from Vlottenburg (near Polkadraai Hills) and Helderberg on granite. Matured for 11 months in barriques, of which 40% were new, before being transferred to 2,000-litre vats for a further seven months. Enticing aromas of raspberry, cassis and tobacco plus subtle notes of vanilla and oak spice. The palate shows vivid fruit express energised by bright acidity and framed by tightly knit, fine tannins. Succulent and approachable now, but with the restraint and structure to reward time in bottle. Alc: 13.38%.

CE’s rating: 95/100.

Check out our South African wine ratings database.