Dear *|FNAME|*,

To capture the breadth and depth of the Damascene endeavour is challenging, as each wine has its own compelling story to tell. A partnership between Jean Smit and David Curl of Moya Meaker in Elgin, this brilliant project was 'born to express the way that man and place collaborate to form a narrative'. This is their fourth release and the aim remains simple: to make the best regional expressions from the distinct terroirs across SA.

Jean embodies the new wave of South African winemakers who are striving to produce ever more finely tuned wines, with incremental increases in finesse, nuance, precision and quality. Damascene is undeniably at the cutting edge of SA fine wine.

Their regional expressions of Syrah are impressive. W.O. Stellenbosch Syrah 2021 captures the essence of the granitic soils of the Polkadraai, while the W.O. Cederberg Syrah 2021, from high-altitude vines, shows the depth and dark fruit of the Cederberg. The W.O. Swartland Syrah 2021 from iron, blue schist and granite soils, encapsulates the region’s savoury power.

The Damascene Cabernet Franc 2021, from a Bottelary vineyard, is even more elegant and refined than in 2020, and the Damascene Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 is still youthful and tightly coiled, requiring cellaring to show its best.

As always, Damascene Sémillon 2021 is a small-batch release and Jean’s particular love for the variety shines through. This is produced from two vineyards planted in 1942 and 1962 and is the very definition of old-vine Franschhoek Sémillon.

Two brilliant Chenin Blancs round out what is undoubtedly one of the most emphatic set of wines released this year. The W.O. Swartland Chenin Blanc 2021, from granitic soils, is elegant, focused and dry, while the W.O. Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 2021 is perfumed and polished with expressive fruit, boasting a touch more body than its sibling above.

These incredible wines are produced in limited quantities.

Reply to this email or visit our website to place your order online.

Vinous regards,

Tasting notes

Damascene W.O. Swartland Chenin Blanc 2021

'From Perdeberg vineyards on granite. Matured for 11 months in foudre and older oak. A flinty top note before pear, white peach and citrus plus hints of hay and oatmeal on the nose. The palate is supremely elegant and focused – pure fruit matched by a great line of acidity, the finish super-dry.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag, 96/100

Damascene W.O. Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 2021

'Grapes from Bottelary vineyards featuring shale, greywacke and granite soils. Maturation as above. Very expressive aromatics of citrus and peach plus hints of honeysuckle and fynbos. The palate has a good core of fruit, zippy acidity and a pithy finish. Slightly more weight and texture than its counterpart above although describing it as “oily” is putting it too strongly. Layers of flavour.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag, 95/100

Damascene W.O. Franschhoek Sémillon 2021

'From two Franschhoek vineyards, one planted in 1942 and the other in 1962. Maturation as above. Subtle aromatics of dried flowers, citrus, peach, blackcurrant, hay and some waxiness. Nice palate weight, slightly greasy texture and coated acidity. Well balanced with plenty of detail and a gently savoury finish.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag, 94/100

Damascene W.O. Stellenbosch Syrah 2021

'Grapes from three sites all on granite soils. 75% whole-bunch fermentation. Red and black berries, potpourri, cured meat and pepper on the nose while the palate shows good fruit density, fresh acidity and fine tannins. Great clarity and balance – seamlessly assembled.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag, 96/100

Damascene W.O. Swartland Syrah 2021

'Grapes from various Swartland sites featuring shale, schist, granite and ferricrete soils. 75% whole-bunch fermentation. Lavender, dark berries, olive, pepper and spice on the nose while the palate is wonderfully direct – lovely fruit purity and a great line of acidity before a finish that is long and very dry.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag, 96/100

Damascene W.O. Cederberg Syrah 2021

'From a high-lying vineyard on sandstone with underlying ferricrete. 45% whole-bunch fermentation. Top notes of flowers and herbs before blue and black berries, ripe plum, earth, spice and some flinty reduction. The palate is rich, round and relatively smooth textured – good depth of fruit makes this the most luxurious of the three examples of Syrah.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag, 94/100

Damascene W.O. Stellenbosch Cabernet Franc 2021

'From Bottelary vineyards on granite. The nose shows rose, red currant plus pretty and intriguing herbal notes while the palate is ethereal – light-bodied but not angular or attenuated. Great fruit purity and lively acidity before a finish that is long and dry but certainly not astringent. A precise wine but equally full of charm. Something of a revelation as to what can be achieved with this variety locally.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag, 96/100

Damascene W.O. Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

'Grapes from Vlottenburg, Helderberg and Bottelary. Matured for 11 months in barrel of which 60% was new before a further 11 months in foudre. Red and black berries, some leafiness, violets and oak spice on the nose. The palate has real presence without being too forceful – good fruit weight, bright acidity and tannins that are wonderfully powdery. Intense and deep, this is still very youthful and packed away.' – Christian Eedes, Winemag, 95/100

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