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Damascene
Moya Meaker W.O. Elgin Pinot noir 2022
"The 2022 Pinot Noir Elgin comes from Bokkeveld shale soils, matured in 20% new 300-liter French oak for 11 months. It has a potent bouquet with raspberry leaf, undergrowth and cracked black pepper scents. Fine delineation. The palate has a succulent, slightly sappy entry with plummy red fruit mixed with dried herbs, rosemary and a touch of bay leaf. There’s fine grip on the finish, if not quite the delineation of a top-flight Pinot. Still, quite delicious." - Neal Martin, Vinous
Damascene W.O. Stellenbosch Syrah 2022
"The 2022 Syrah from Karabib is 75% whole clusters matured for 11 months in 2,000-liter Austrian oak. This elegant nose of incense and pressed violets infuses the vivacious melange of black and blue fruit. The medium-bodied palate has fine structure, slightly chalky in texture, with real backbone and density, yet the elegance floods through on the black pepper and clove-infused finish. Very persistent in the mouth. Tuck bottles away for several years as this is a serious Syrah sculpted by its cooler microclimate." - Neal Martin, Vinous
Damascene W.O. Swartland Syrah 2022
"The 2022 Syrah from Swartland comes from mostly shale and schist soils, 25% on granite soils, using 75% whole cluster fruit (the shale using submerged cap during fermentation). Aged in 2,000-liter Austrian oak, this leans more towards red berries, with touches of flint and white pepper with a hint of garrigues coming through with aeration. The medium-bodied palate has finely sculpted tannins. There’s a lovely symmetry and focus here, a gentle but insistent grip with the whole bunches imparting irresistible peppery notes towards the finish. Superb." - Neal Martin, Vinous
Damascene W.O. Swartland Chenin blanc 2022
"The 2022 Chenin Blanc (Swartland) is whole cluster pressed and matured in 1,000-liter Oval Austrian vats for 11 months. The very precise nose has lemon thyme and light red apple scents, with just a touch of orange rind in the background. The palate has a lovely texture with a slightly resinous mouthfeel, yellow fruit mixed with ginger and marmalade, and a light twist of bitter lemon lending tension on the finish. Fine length. A very classy Chenin." - Neal Martin, Vinous
Damascene W.O. Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 2022
"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." - Neal Martin, Vinous
Damascene W.O. Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is matured in 50% new oak for the first year and 2,000 oval Austrian foudre in the second year. This is more cohesive and fresher than the 2022 Cabernet Franc tasted alongside with blackberry, cedar and graphite aromas. The palate is vibrant on the entry, well-balanced with pliant tannins, taut and linear before fanning out with impressive precision on the finish. This would give a top Bordeaux a run for its money. Definitely a level-up on the previous vintage." -Neal Martin, Vinous
Damascene W.O. Stellenbosch Syrah 2021
Damascene W.O. Stellenbosch Syrah 2021, "Perfumed and spicy. Compelling aromas of violets, potpourri, and garrigue unfold over dark cherry, plum fruit and scented smoke. A large component of this Syrah hails from Karibib, a granitic site that lies in the path of a persistent cloud belt that runs over the top ridge on the farm. The resultant diffused light and cool temperatures safeguard the intense aromatic quality of the fruit from this vineyard. Brooding in the most delicate way, the fruit component of the wine is contoured and precise, carrying a real sense of presence, with a nervy quality at its core. Fruit from the Bottelary ward imbues backbone, adding inky cherries and plums, while Devon Valley’s bright strawberries refresh. Super silky tannins act as a lithe backdrop for all that complexity of flavour, melting gently into a detailed finish." - Winemaker's notes