New Damascene release

At the cutting edge of SA fine wine

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.