DAMASCENE
2022 Cabernet Franc Stellenbosch
This is a fragrant and refined red with gorgeous fruit and spice aromas like blackcurrants, small blue plums, sandalwood, licorice and nutmeg. It’s medium-bodied, very fine and precise. Long, elegant finish. Drink or hold. Rating: 94 James Suckling, www.jamessuckling.com (Dec 2024)
* This is a pre-shipment/primeur offer. All orders are accepted under the TERMS of this offer which differ from the terms of the rest of the site.
As with the Syrah, this has great poise – elegant but pure-fruited. Red plums and redcurrants, cherries. Green peppers and dried mint. Good expression of the variety. Juicy finesse on the palate – the fruit coiled around bright acidity and framed by chalky tannins. As with the Swartland Syrah, there’s a touch of austerity on the end, but it will relax with time. Drinking range: 2024 - 2030 Rating: 16+ Oliver Coleman, www.JancisRobinson.com (Nov 2024)
A heady mix of violets, crushed rose petals, tobacco leaf, and pencil shavings; interspersed with sweeter blueberry and cassis. The palate embodies the essence of the cultivar: lithe and red-fruited, offering a high-resolution mosaic of raspberry, pomegranate and cherry, followed by gentler maraschino and currants. All framed by articulate plum skin tannins. As it warms, notes of cedar, blueberry, and roasted plum emerge, leading to a finish with a final burst of violets, tomato leaf, and raspberry sherbet.Winemaker's notes (Jul 2024)
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.