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Tasting notes
Damascene W.O. Stellenbosch Syrah 2022
‘From two sites, one in the Polkadraai and the other Bottelary, both 300m above sea level. The soils are predominantly decomposed granite. 60-70% was whole-cluster fermented, and submerged cap was introduced on some batches to add width. Raised in 2000-litre foudres for 11 months. Perfumed pink pepper, attractive florals and bright black olive introduce an aromatically seductive nose, laced with clove and nutmeg spice. Layered and just so inviting, this is simply awesome if you love Syrah! The tannins are gentle and persistent, with bouncy acidity and moreish, savoury herbaceous notes. The tannins have a granitic grip with a mineral core, entwined in a complex palate of shy fruit, orange rind and cured meat, ending fresh and dry. Brimming with personality, this is a an epic Syrah.’ – James Pietersen, October 2023
Damascene W.O. Swartland Syrah 2022
‘From three different sites including Kasteelberg and Paardeberg, the Swartland Syrah is a combination of granite, schist, shale and ferricrete. All the vineyards are dryland farmed. 60-70% was whole-cluster fermented, and submerged cap was introduced on some batches to add width. Raised in 2000-litre foudres for 11 months. The immediate impression is of a wine with a brooding personality, initially shy on the nose with notes of black pepper, tapenade and black fruit. The palate is salty and juicy, with a deep-fruited and chewy, broad palate. This needs time. Super-textured, long and grippy with great depth of plummy fruit – typical inward blackness.’ – James Pietersen, October 2023
Damascene W.O. Ceres Plateau Syrah 2022
‘This is a young Syrah vineyard at 1000m above sea level off Bokkeveld shale. 60% was whole-cluster fermented; submerged cap was also used. Raised in 1000-litre conical French oak for 11 months. Cool red-fruited, yet also dark and brooding with a slowly developing nose. There is beautiful herbal nuance with some bay leaf and bouquet garni, complemented by fine spice and tea leaf notes. The most youthful of the trilogy, the palate is superbly poised and energetic. A fine linear construction leading to a precise and dry end. A wine of immense clarity, with tightly wound tannins contributing to the sublime tension. Inward perfection.’ – James Pietersen, October 2023
Damascene W.O. Swartland Chenin Blanc 2022
‘From two Paardeberg vineyards planted on granite, going back to 1979. Matured for 11 months in foudres and older oak. A fresh nose, with white stone fruit and cut pear – floral and delicate. The palate follows with white peach and succulent pear fruit. A rounded palate, leading to a medium-bodied and supremely focused, elegant send-off. The wine is quiet with a green apple acid line that adds to the structure and length.’ – James Pietersen, October 2023
Damascene W.O. Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 2022
‘From three sites in the Bottelary hills off shale, greywacke and granite soils, vineyard age varies between 1972, 1980 and 1982 – all situated on hill tops. There is a richer, attractive nose of apple skin, bruised apple and a Loire-like earthy layer. The wine evolves with ripe citrus and stone fruit on the nose. The palate has an enticing pithy, apple pip bite that underscores the richer fruit and adds to the textural breadth, with a lingering lemon and lime skin lift on the finish. The wine is raised in large foudres and left on the lees for 10 months, then moved to concrete before bottling. Wonderfully complex, needing time to unfurl in the glass.’ – James Pietersen, October 2023
Damascene W.O. Franschhoek Sémillon 2022
‘From two vineyards planted in 1962 and 1942, the wine includes about 15% Sémillon Gris. Whole clusters are gently crushed and further fermented in foudres. Typical shy Sémillon fruit of ripe tangerine, mandarin, and notes of hay. The palate is quiet with texture to the fore, slowly expressing some white fruit, ground almonds and a broad, rich, medium-to-full palate. There is a distinct saline end. These old-vine Sémillons are unique to South Africa and require time to show their best. One of the very best expressions of this style!’ – James Pietersen, October 2023
Damascene W.O. Stellenbosch Cabernet Franc 2022
‘From an east-facing vineyard planted in 2004 on granite soils in the Bottelary. The bunches were de-stemmed into concrete fermenters, and whole berries were cold soaked for three days before primary fermentation commenced. Raised in 1000-litre French oak vats. There is a beautiful perfume of crushed rose and potpourri spice, with tart red cherry and strawberry freshness. Long, dry, particularly crisp, and light on its feet. The wine has a gentle and delicate tannin structure overlayed with juicy, elegant blueberry fruit, attractive cedar, and gravelly notes.’ – James Pietersen, October 2023
Damascene W.O. Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
‘Grapes from Vlottenburg, Helderberg and Bottelary. Matured for 22 months in 2000-litre conical Austrian oak. 210m above sea level. Immediately impressive on the nose with ripe plum, cassis, and a herbaceous outline. The wine evolves in the glass adding graphite, slate and earthy notes for a complex and compelling nose. The palate is precise and juicy with very concentrated, layered fruit and great tannic density. From the brilliant 2021 Stellenbosch vintage, this is a youthful, vibrant wine that will require some time in the cellar to showcase its full potential.’ – James Pietersen, October 2023
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