Description
Dark-fruited and mineral-driven with a peppery and dusty nose of cherry blossom and spiced plum essence, the 2021 Stellenbosch Syrah will need some additional time in the bottle. Medium-bodied, the palate is agile and fresh, offering elegant black peppercorn spices with floral essences before showing a balanced structure with fine-grained tannins and a firm tannic grip. This Syrah concludes with a food-friendly finish and lingering mineral tension. Give it time to develop in the bottle, and begin enjoying it in 2025.
Rating: 94
Anthony Mueller, The Wine Advocate (Dec 2023)
Reviews
Tim Atkin 96
If South Africa has a Grand Cru Syrah site, it is arguably Karibib, the main source of this superb red from Jean Smit. Blended with a 20% portion of Bottelary Hills grapes, it has violet and incense aromas, a palate of garrigue and tapenade, granitic freshness, fresh meat and blackberry flavours undertones of clove and black pepper. [Tim Atkin MW, 01/09/2023]
Producer Profile
Damascene is a seriously exciting new find in South Africa. Their maiden vintage was 2018 and we were blown away by the results. 2019, their second vintage was sold out on release.
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.
