DAMASCENE
2022 Chenin Blanc Stellenbosch
From three sites, the earliest planted in 1972. Whole-cluster-pressed and aged in oval Austrian foudres (1,000 litres) for 11 months. A subdued nose, but hints of what is to come in ripe and rich apricots and apples. A slight oaky note surrounding it. Similar on the palate in its quietness of flavour. Still, generously textured and with tremendous freshness, and some salinity on the finish. There are clearly depths here – and serious structure, great balance – but it's quite closed, for the moment at least. Drinking range: 2024 - 2030 Rating: 16++ Oliver Coleman, www.JancisRobinson.com (Nov 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.
The 2022 Chenin Blanc from Stellenbosch comes from vines on Greywacke, shale and granite soils planted between 1972 and 1981, whole cluster pressed and aged in oval Austrian foudres. This has a little more presence on the nose and is more outgoing with yellow plum, nectarine, peach skin and hints of red fruit. There is real complexity, becoming ever more minerally with aeration. The palate is very well-balanced with a little more viscosity and lees expression, lightly spiced with a vivacious saline finish. There is a sense of completeness here. Superb. Drinking range: 2024 - 2038 Rating: 94 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’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.