Jean Smit’s wines are at the cutting edge of SA fine wine, with Damascene recently elevated to First Growth status in Tim Atkin’s SA report on the back of his highly rated 2021 Syrahs. Jean takes us on a Syrah journey – from maritime to mediterranean and finally continental climates – with a set of limited regional expressions that embody refinement, precision, and quality.
First up is the Stellenbosch Syrah 2022 from Karibib, a ‘Grand Cru Syrah site’ according to Atkin. Blended with a portion of Bottelary fruit, this maritime expression has beguiling aromatics that capture the essence of the Polkadraai’s granitic soils. The mediterranean Swartland Syrah 2022 – from granite, schist, shale and ferricrete – is a powerhouse of a wine, brooding and deep-fruited with savoury intensity. The continental offering is from the high-altitude Ceres Plateau and is a first release. Off Bokkeveld shale, this Ceres Syrah 2022 is a wine of clarity and tension, with tightly wound tannins.
In partnership with David Curl, the owner of Moya Meaker in Elgin, Jean has created a project with a simple aim: to make the best regional expressions from the distinct terroirs across SA. Each wine has its own compelling story to tell, and you can get your hands on the full range here.
The Damascene Stellenbosch Cabernet Franc 2022 showcases perfume and poised fruit, whilst the Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 is vibrant and wonderfully complex. The super-limited Damascene Sémillon 2022 is the definition of old-vine Franschhoek Sémillon, and the Swartland Chenin Blanc 2022, from granitic soils, is elegant, focused and dry. Finally, the Stellenbosch Chenin Blanc 2022 is rich and layered, needing time to unfurl in the glass.
