2022 Damascene, Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Description
If there was ever a Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon that tasted like a Margaux, this is it. With an intense, gravelly nose (even though the vines are on granite), this is floral and perfumed, and incredibly elegant. The palate is equally gorgeous with a beautiful bouquet and a kick of concentration that comes through in such a stylish, restrained way. The fruit is pure blackcurrant and the wine has a wonderful intensity that leads into the floral, vibrant and beautiful finish. This is already so impressive but would benefit from a little more time to shine even more brightly.
Catriona Felstead MW, Senior Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd
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Colour
Red -
Sweetness
Dry -
Vintage
2022 -
Alcohol
14% -
Grape
Cabernet Sauvignon -
Body
Full Bodied -
Producer
Damascene Vineyards
Critics reviews
The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Stellenbosch was aged in 50% new barriques for the first year and 2,000-liter oval Austrian foudres for the second. This has more complexity on the nose compared to the Cabernet Franc, revealing cedar- and graphite-tinged black fruit—clearly defined and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with pliant tannins and cassis-like fruit that is ripe but not overly sweet. There is lovely purity here. It’s silky-smooth in texture, and the oak is seamlessly integrated into the finish. This is a very seductive and moreish Cabernet Sauvignon.
Jean Smit welcomed me to Damascene, which I visited for the first time last year. I asked Smit about the vintage in question. “Twenty-three is a vintage where people who make proper wines are the ones to follow. We had a drought in winter and then thunderstorms in December that gave us [vine] growth. We had to spray to prevent mildew and oïdium, and then we got the rains at the end of March.”
These latest releases, mostly though not exclusively from the 2023 vintage, reinforce Damascene as one of the finest estates in South Africa. There is an attention to detail and meticulousness here that I feel comes from Smit himself and is translated into the wines, just the Cabernet Franc behind the pack. Readers should look out for the Semillon Old Bush Vines Franschhoek, Chenin Blanc Old Bush Vines Stellenbosch, though the crowning glory is the Syrah from Swartland.
Drink 2025 - 2035