Damascene W.O. Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 2022 Bottle size: 750ml

‘Grapes from three Bottelary vineyards planted in 1972, 1980 and 1982 respectively. Complex aromatics of pear, peach, nectarine, lemon and fynbos while the palate shows very good delineation and directness – pure fruit and bright acidity before a salty finish. Absolutely packed with flavour.’ – Christian Eedes, Winemag.co.za, 95/100

'Three distinct soil types - greywacke, granite and shale – contribute to Damascene's impressive Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc. Richer, riper and more textured than its Swartland counterpart, it's a bold, structured, old-vine white with layers of clove, stem ginger, passion fruit and pear as well as some tannic grip. The oak is barely noticeable. 2024-29' – Tim Atkin MW, SA Special Report 2024, 94/100

‘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. 2024-2038’ – NealMartin, Vinous, 94/100

'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

'A blend of three mountainous Stellenbosch vineyards. This wine is supremely expressive of these distinct sites and their soils of pure shale, Greywacke and granite. As with many old vine wines, the vanguard unfurls quite slowly, but it’s worth the wait. A kaleidoscope of aromas ensues; yellow apple, nectarine, lemon blossom, and honeysuckle. These are joined by more serious tones of gravel dust, mineral talc, and smoky flint. The palate is comprehensively textured, with apricots and chewy maroela fruit on the mid-palate, segueing into pithier white grapefruit. The tail end forms a supremely textured citric finish, with nuances of lime, quince, and nutmeg. As the wine warms in the glass, it reveals additional touches of white queen pineapple and naartjie. An impressively winding journey, best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.' – Winemaker